And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints – Revelations 5:8
“How do you keep on hoping that your prayers will be answered when everything remains the same day after day?” The pastor reflected on this question from one of his congregants; he could discern the woman’s need for honesty, not religious clichés. So, he inwardly prayed for God’s enlightenment. Then, with a smile, the pastor said, “I, too, find myself questioning the same thing at times. When I do, I begin hoping that either the day I’m in or the next day will be when God answers my prayers. And, I keep on hoping the same way each day.”
If I had to list the toughest challenge of being a Christian, it would be waiting for God’s answer to prayers in the right way. It’s learning not to become frustrated by the days, months, and even years when nothing has changed. While I have yet to discover the best antidote during the wait, I have chosen to perceive, as a means of feeding my hope, that today will be the day my answer will arrive. Then it’s choosing to continue this dietary plan each day thereafter.
Unlike unanswered calls or texts, as Christians, we will never have to worry if our prayers are getting through. We are assured in Scripture, such as Revelation 5:8, about God’s knowledge of them. Therefore, we need only wait patiently for them to be responded to, however and whenever He chooses to reply.