Years ago at a retreat, a faith-filled young man spoke about how God answers prayers. As a leader in this organization, I had heard a version of this talk many times, but this young man had a very compelling faith story and a steadfast faith that moved me, so I paid particular attention as he spoke.
In regards to how God answers prayers, the young man said that "God never says no."
This line struck me. I thought back over the many times in my life I had prayed for something and not seen it answered.
He continued:
"He says yes, not now, or how about this?"
This blew me away. Thinking back, this was true even of the times I thought my prayer had not been answered...really, it had just been answered differently than I had asked. Had I been listening?
I felt this on my heart immediately the way I often do when I feel God speaking to me. In the years since, this line has stuck with me in high and low moments. It has gone from a hope to something I have truly seen happen in my life and in the lives of other believers. It has come to be a truth.
This isn't something you can see looking forward or in the moment, but rather is something you can see only when looking in the rear-view. Let me explore these further in the context of my own faith journey because I think it helps illustrate.
When God answers our prayer with a "yes," we see our prayer answered quickly. When I prayed for a new church community at a low point in my 20s, God answered with a resounding YES and I was thrust into a few fantastic communities quickly.
When God answers with "not now," with patience and perseverance we see it answered with time, presumably when He knows we are ready. I experienced this when I prayed for my husband, prior to meeting him. God had a plan for us, it just had to be at the right time.
When God answers with "how about this," we see Him put something else into our lives that we did not plan for but that He knows fits the greater vision for our lives. I have experienced this many times, but remember clearly being forced to go on a mission trip that thankfully changed my life and my faith journey forever.
I've always found hope and an answer to how God answers prayer in one of my favorite verses, Matthew 7:7-8,
"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks."
prayer. Always, however, desperation has been the soil and seed that bears the fruit of answered prayer—for me, at least. Maybe it will do the same for you.
prayer. Always, however, desperation has been the soil and seed that bears the fruit of answered prayer—for me, at least. Maybe it will do the same for you.