The Sun Will Come Out, Just Maybe Not Tomorrow
Does God really answer prayers?
“I need you to come now. He may not make it through the night.”
“It’s just not fair that women on crack can get pregnant and I can’t.”
“I’m so lonely. I just want to share my life with someone.”
“I trusted you. How could you do this to me?”
We’ve all heard them or even cried these words ourselves. We’ve discovered bad things really do happen to good people. And, unfortunately, good things do happen to bad people. I don’t understand. Where is God when I’m suffering? Why doesn’t God answer prayers and fix things?
Somehow, we got the misguided impression everything would be fine as long as we trusted God. And it will be! From an eternal perspective, that is.
However, many of us can’t see past today. And today, things are not fine. Things are horrific!
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Things may look fine, peaceful even, on the outside, because I’ve learned to smile through the pain. But I’m not smiling on the inside.
When your loved one is fading fast, your home is being foreclosed, your pregnancy test comes back negative – AGAIN, or you’re crying heartbroken sobs over a betrayal, it’s difficult to see God around you. It’s hard to believe God actually does answer prayers.
When you’ve had crisis upon crisis, and you’re afraid of what might happen next, it’s easier to just get mad and distrust God. And his eternal plans. But don’t give up on him just yet.
I’ve been there. I was so tired of trying to act happy when things were falling apart. It was only in hindsight I could see God had chosen to comfort me through the storm, rather than remove it. He wanted me to quit holding on for dear life, and put all my trust in him. But that was hard. Incredibly hard. Read my story here.
Surviving the Moment
Through my trials, I’ve discovered four things which can make a difference the next time you face a crisis:
- Understand God is in control. Even when things seem out of control.
- Believe God can be trusted. A study of the Bible reveals story after story where God promises to be with his people in times of trouble. He’s the same no matter the person or circumstance. While he doesn’t always remove the struggle, he always gives strength to get through it. NOTE: Reading the Bible chronologically allowed the patterns of God’s character to became much clearer to me.
- Remember prayer doesn’t always get the result we hope. Instead of praying for specific answers, pray for understanding of God’s answers. When the answer to prayer isn’t what you hoped, pray for peace and comfort as you fight through it.
- Live life one moment at a time, trusting God for everything. If I take another breath, it’s because God put breath in my lungs. If I take another step, it’s because God gave me the strength to do so.
God’s Promise
Nowhere in the Bible does God say we won’t suffer. In fact, quite the opposite. What God does promise is that our suffering will only last for a time, and then our joy will return. (Psalm 30:5)
So why doesn’t God answer prayers the way we hope? I honestly don’t know. But when he doesn’t, I know we can count on two things – the storm won’t last forever, and he will help us through to the other side.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Need help implementing these self-care strategies in your own life? Check out my Joy Journal. It’s a combination planner/journal to help support attempts to manage your emotions and make positive habit changes.
Need more inspiration and encouragement? Join me on Facebook on the Sadness to Joy page. That’s where you’ll find the daily encouragement and accountability you need to help bring your plan into existence.
What things are you struggling with right now?
