Why Does It Take So Long for God to Answer My Prayers? Navigating Life by Knowing the Ways of God.

“Okay, Lord, if it only took You six days to create the entire universe, why is it taking so long for You to answer my prayers?” Ever asked that before? Sure you have…so have I! The obvious problem with this question is that it’s like slapping God on the wrist for not doing what we want Him to do RIGHT NOW! God is not a genie that obeys our commands! What we fail to understand is How God works with people and Why He does what He does. In other words, we need to know the “Ways” of God.

God’s Ways are identifiable patterns in Scripture that reveal His character and the way He governs His creation. These include His will, commandments, judgments and purposes. Though no human can even begin to understand God, we can get a tiny glimpse of His ways.

Let’s start with HOW God works with people.

1. God Created a Time/Space World for Us to Live in. God, who dwells in the realm of eternity, is not bound by “time” as we know it. He sees the past, present and future with equal clarity. God works by “stepping” into your world of time in order to fulfill His purposes for your life.

2. God Doesn’t Work Randomly…He Chooses the “Right Time.” Time means more than the duration of days, weeks, months and years. It also means Decisive Events (Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:10). The Right Time (Fullness of Time) is a Biblical term that refers to the fullness of contents of a ship. It must have sailors, oarsmen, freight, merchandise, and soldiers aboard before it can sail. God knows your needs…but He waits for the most opportune time that’s best for everybody.

Now, Let’s talk about WHY He does what He does.

1. God Always Does What’s BEST for You (Is. 48:17 NIV). Regardless of what you think you need, God knows what you really need. (I thank God for some prayers He didn’t answer!)

2. God is Not Slow…He’s PATIENT (2 Pet. 3:8-9). Whether you can appreciate this or not, God may be waiting for things to come to a crisis (even to the point of impossibility) before He steps in (John 11:11-45). He’s working behind the scenes to do more for you and for others than you can possibly imagine!

So, Here’s How to Navigate Life by Knowing God’s Ways.

1. Remember…Your Timetable isn’t the same as God’s (Is. 55:6-12). As the young folks say, “Take a Chill Pill!” The Bible says it like this, “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

2. God is in the “Process” With You. He’s more interested in what’s happening in your heart than in the crisis. Don’t turn against God as you process your crisis…He’s drawing you closer to Him.

3. God’s Ways Include Your Participation With Him. Don’t just sit and do nothing! Pray fervently (1 Sam. 1:9-20); and as you do what needs to be done, God will work with you (Prov. 16:3 & 9).

4. Trust God…He’s Working Out Some “Stuff” You’re Not Aware of. (Rom. 8:28). Like pieces of a complex jigsaw puzzle, God is fitting all the pieces of your life together according to the mosaic of His Higher Purposes. Trust Him…He is working in the hearts of your family and friends too. Don’t fret, for at the Right Time, He will fulfill His kind intentions toward you (Ps. 37:1-11).

<< Back