God Turned His Back On Me!

He didn’t heal my loved one; He allowed this divorce; He didn’t answer my prayer request.

I’m confused, the Bible invited me to ask, but He said no. He said to make my requests known, only to say no. Why? What did I do wrong? Why didn’t He answer my prayers?

When I’m stuck in the whys about what I consider to be unanswered prayers, I go to the source. Jesus, Himself, prayed a prayer that God answered with a no. Jesus asked God to take the cup from Him, to relieve Him of His purpose to be the sacrifice for all sin. Yet, despite His desperation, He submitted Himself to God’s will, even if it meant dying on that cross.

If God doesn’t answer our prayers it can seem harsh! We have anger and confusion and if we are not careful it can lead to bitterness. Not too long ago, I listened to a podcast by Pastor Rick Warren. He mentioned that God answers every prayer, it’s just not always what we’d like to hear:

“No” is an answer
“In a little while” is an answer
“Wait” is an answer
“Grow up” is an answer
“In my way” is an answer
God never leaves a prayer unanswered

So, what are you left with when you receive an unfavorable answer? In the final moments of Jesus’ life, He prayed this final prayer: “Into your hands, I commit my spirit.” Give your frustrations, your doubts, your fears, your anger and YOURSELF to God in prayer. Prayer is a process that draws us closer to God. As we draw near to God, we will grow to know that His will is not always ours. But because we can trust His faithfulness and love for us, we should be like Jesus and declare, not our will but Thy will be done. The more time you spend with God, the more you will grow to know His character. His answer may not be what we want to hear, but our trust and faith in God will allow us to rest in the truth that He is fair and just, and He has our best interest in mind.

It’s ok to question God, His own son did! As Jesus hung on the cross, He felt His Father turn away from Him and cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” God had to fulfill His plan, even if it meant being temporarily separated from His son. We all know God could’ve snatched His Son so quick and killed all the naysayers, the liars and the evil doers, but instead He allowed it for the greater purpose. You may be going through heartache and have been asking God to deliver you. Even if He says no and you’re left wondering why, trust and believe that your suffering is not in vain. His plan for your life will be accomplished.