EPISODE 80: ANSWERED & UNANSWERED PRAYER

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A MESSAGE FROM SARA:

I’m not sure there is a topic harder to wrap your brain and faith around more than the one of unanswered prayers. Even just today I struggle with this topic.

Let me explain.

This past weekend I was afforded the most amazing day of enrichment in West Palm Beach as I sat and listened to some of the world’s more renowned communicators in leadership speak. But these experts are more than just leadership experts. They are lovers of Christ. The morning was packed full of wisdom from John Maxwell, Joyce Myer and Christine Caine. And that evening Christine Caine brought it at the Amazing Event held at Christ Fellowship Church.

At the Amazing event there was no denying the presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s been a very long time since I felt that kind of presence. Now, I do not come from any kind of charismatic background, but I adore worshipping with my sisters in Christ from this background because they just know how to bring it in a way that Baptists…well…just don’t.

So, in any event, Christine got on stage and decided she felt like there needed to be some healing in the audience. I’ve never had hands laid on me but just recently I have felt moved to really believe in the healing power of the Holy Ghost. This was my time to truly move in faith, so, when she asked if anyone in the audience was suffering from an illness of any kind, I raised my hand. Those around me laid their hands on me…people all over the church were being prayed over. It was beautiful and emotional and new and amazing. You see, I suffer from chronic pain issues and I just wanted to give it to God. She prayed specifically over those with back pain…yes! That’s me!! That’s me!! In abundant faith I just knew that this was going to be the beginning of true healing for me and a freeness that my body has not felt in years.

Fast forward 2 days. Chris and I are cleaning out our storm room. Perfect time to do it as we get all of the Christmas decorations out. I worked Saturday afternoon on it and then we finished it up Sunday. My back has been killing me since. Say what? Wait a minute. What about my moment? What about my faith? Did I not have enough? Was I not important enough? Does God even really heal like that anymore? Maybe that’s why I’ve been a Baptist…we don’t lay hands and maybe this is why. Or maybe God didn’t heal me because I am too Baptist? But if I am being really, really honest, I have decided not to let my head to ahead of my heart. For I know the plans He has for me…plans to prosper and not to harm. And I truly know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Does the pain suck? Absolutely. BUT, God’s love for me and my faith in Him is not built on answered prayers. It is built on the gospel, on His promises, and on faith.

I know so many of my sisters in Christ stuck in their journey because of unanswered prayers. Well, hopefully this podcast and blog will help get things moving a little. You are loved even if it doesn’t look the way you want it to. You are loved even if your prayers aren’t answered exactly the way you want. Remember you serve a God that knows how today plays into tomorrow and how your life is a part of His kingdom. Someday we will be given new bodies. Someday we will understand the unanswered prayers.

BE IN THE WORD (this week’s verses):

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

BE EDUCATED (additional resources):

  1. The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
  2. When God Says No
  3. Prayers of the Bible
  4. Five Ways God Answers Prayers

BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS (practical application):

  1. Identity some of your most recent and consistent prayers. Which ones have been answered? Which ones have not? Can you see why it might not have been answered? Take the time to think through what you are praying and why.
  2. Take time to pray: commit a certain amount of time to pray each day…start small but start.
  3. Watch the War Room.