Why Continue in Prayer When I'm not Getting Answers?

"sometimes the answers we seek are not swift but slow"

In the silence of waiting, where the echoes of our prayers linger, we find ourselves caught between the tension of hope and uncertainty. It is in these moments of persistent pleas to God, that our faith is tested and our spirits stretched.

As we navigate the underbrush of waiting and persistence in prayer, we are faced with a profound truth: the act of waiting is not passive but an active surrender to the divine orchestration of God in our lives. It is a journey that calls for resilience, a heart willing to trust in the unseen and a soul that dares to hope against all odds.

Let’s explore the depths of waiting and persistence in prayer, unraveling the mysteries of God's timing and the transformative power of persistence.

What Did Jesus Say About Waiting and Perseverance?

Jesus' teachings on prayer should be the basis of how we pray because, if there’s such a thing as a guru in prayer, it would be Jesus. If there was a person to teach us on prayer it would be Jesus, and if there was a masterclass on prayer, then Jesus' masterclass would be the one to attend.

Here’s what Jesus said about prayer concerning persistence and timing.

God's time is the right time. It isn't delayed or premature, it is just on time.

• Always pray

It is Jesus' instruction and imperative that we always be in a place of prayer. Hence it is not a question of when, what, where, why, or how but to pray. So get on praying.

• Don't lose heart

It is not God's desire that any of us get discouraged or weary when we have been in a place of prayer for a while. God loves it when we pray even if it is over the same matter and Jesus depicted this in a parable about an unjust judge and widow.

Jesus loved using common everyday language so that His audience could relate. He compared the unjust judge to God who is extremely just and considerate in His actions towards us.

Setting the backdrop of an unjust judge, clearly brought out the benevolence and justice of God so that people are encouraged to seek God in prayer. It is to say, expect God to answer you a hundredfold in whatever you bring to Him but it is not to say that God will always give you the answer you’re looking for.

In case you feel small, unseen, or oppressed know this; God sees you. He takes notice of you and He cares

• God’s Care

Another aspect to consider in this parable is God’s care & attention to the disadvantaged in society.

Jesus’ example of a widow revealed that God’s heart is tender towards the oppressed and disenfranchised. He takes it to Himself the direct responsibility of caring for such. You may not be the least where you are but in case you feel small, unseen, or oppressed know this; God sees you. He takes notice of you and He cares.

• God's timing vs Our timing

This is a core issue in prayer.

Jesus' words in these verses are intentional. He uses the word 'speedily'. He also says, "Will He (God the Father) delay long over them?"

It appears that Jesus' understanding and interpretation of time as pertains to the length of time taken, is different from ours.

First of all, Jesus' solid encouragement is that we do not lose heart in prayer. With the understanding that though we have come time and again, we shouldn't lose heart because why? Because God is just.

Two, because God will answer, and three, because God takes delight in hearing our prayers.

So prayer isn't just for the sake of praying, it is praying to a God who hears and answers prayer no matter the amount of time taken.

Secondly, in God's interpretation of timing, it isn't a matter of counting how long but a matter of what has transpired in the time taken.

When we understand this, we see God's intent. We see that God isn't just about answering the prayer, He is also about transforming you and me in the place of prayer.

In addition, He is also cultivating a relationship with you and me as we keep engaging with Him in prayer.

Lastly, God's time is the right time. When you receive the answer to prayer, it is the right time. It isn't delayed or premature, it is just on time.

Conclusion

The path of prayer is often paved with the stones of patience, each step a reminder that sometimes the answers we seek are not swift but slow, not immediate but in the fullness of time.

Persistence in prayer is a powerful practice that builds our faith and trust in God's plan even when it doesn’t seem to fit in with our expectations.

Trusting in God's timing means understanding His timing is perfect, even when it may not align with our own. By allowing ourselves to be transformed in prayer, we will find there’s wisdom in God’s ways.

What’s your takeaway from this?

Blessings.

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