After teaching on prayers that day, the young man raised his hand to ask an important question; “Sir, why is it that after praying, and I’m sure that God has answered me, the answer still seems far away?” My response to him is the basis of today’s write-up; why God bears long with us in prayers.
Friend, God answers prayers. But not always at the time and in the way we expect Him to. There are times He seems to bear long with us (Luke 18:7). We need to understand why God seems to bear long with us if we would not faint in the place of prayers (Luke 18:1). For answered prayers, there are a lot of processes that must be in place before the manifestation of the results we desire.
Effective prayer involves spiritual and human forces. The overall counsel of God must be put into consideration, not just your own personal need. While you are only interested in getting answers to your prayers, God is more interested in His own overall eternal counsel and purpose (Ephesians 1:11).
For example, Elizabeth was not barren. She was only a womb in waiting. God was getting Mary ready so that their prophetic destinies would align (Luke 1:36, 76). God makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). While waiting for His time, God would ensure that you get ready. He does not give you what you pray for, but what you are ready for.
The will of man plays an important role in the fulfilment of God’s counsels on the earth. God would have to work on people’s will to effect answers to your prayers (Genesis 6:3). Don’t only pray for things, but also pray for people. People are channels of answers to prayer, and until they are willing, your answers may be delayed (Isaiah 46:11).
The answer to Daniel’s prayers had been given, but there was a blockage in the realm of the spirit; he needed to persist for 21 days (Daniel 10:11-14). Persistence in prayers is not about wrestling with a God who is unyielding but against principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12). As you scale up in your prayer life this season, let this understanding guide you, and it shall be well with you. Amen!
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria