Unanswered Prayer

I’ve been encouraged by persevering in prayer in my life. At the same time, I’ve been frustrated by persevering in prayer over time.

In my early 20’s, I knew I wanted to be married and have a family. Time went by. A decade. Another decade and then some. And finally at the age of 52, God provided a husband for me. At the same time, I was frustrated because as the years ticked by, the chances of having children grew less.

Why does God answer some prayers and not others? I honestly don’t know. I’m so thankful that God provided a wonderful husband in Ben. I couldn’t be happier! Ben was married previously for 24 years and his wife, a physician, was tragically murdered in front of her medical clinic. They never had children. To this day, we still both struggle with showing up at church on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  Unanswered prayer can be deeply painful.

Since I was a women’s minister in various churches during my single years, there were so many people from my church that truly prayed for me during those years. I was grateful for these prayers! People still celebrate God’s answered prayer when they see a picture of Ben and me on social media. Answered prayer encourages us personally but also encourages so many others! It strengthens our faith and others as well.

But, what about unanswered prayer? What about me praying for thirty years for children and getting a “no” from God? What about the pain of seeing constant family pictures, stories, and fun escapades with kids and grandkids on social media? Has anyone else ever whispered to God in prayer “What about me?”  I certainly have.

Some years ago, God made it clear in my spirit that he wanted me to be a mom to mothers. He gave me many opportunities to serve moms by listening, really listening to them. He helped me see that my purpose in life was to be a lifegiving encourager. He reminded me that when women get together, they talk about their kids, and the focus is their kids. He wanted me to listen, to encourage, to pray, and support those that are moms and grandmoms. When I complain and grumble about what I don’t have, I miss God’s obvious calling in my life!

I recently retired and one of my new roles is serving with the Pregnancy Care Center. I get to pray for those moms that come in and question whether to keep their baby. To think I get to storm the gates of heaven to help bring a child into the world! It’s truly amazing. Soon, we will start a Bible study for post-abortive moms to help them enjoy forgiveness and freedom. God continues to answer my prayer of being a mom. It’s just different.

Prayer is everything to me. Being single for so many years, I learned that Jesus really was my husband and I HAD to talk to Him about everything. I have a quiet time in the morning and spend significant time praying for others, my husband, ministry, etc.  However, I also pray throughout the day. In Luke 18:1, Jesus told his disciples a parable of a persistent widow. He starts by saying “that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”  I learned through years of praying not to lose heart.

Life is not easy. Jesus knew we would struggle. Being persistent in prayer is important. We face health issues, opposition, discouragement, and the constant temptation to sin. If we are honest, we need Jesus more than ever! Perhaps, a blessing of getting older is that I really understand that now.

I’m constantly talking to the Lord about everything. I pray for a safe horse ride on the way to the barn. I pray for the Lord to help me be more sensitive to my sin. I pray for healing of some health issues. I pray for more of Jesus’ character to bloom in my life. I pray daily for a breakthrough in some painful relationships. And then, of course, I’m listening as well. I don’t want to miss anything God wants to say to me.

Be persistent in your prayers. God hears us. He heard me…and answered my prayers. Not always the way I wanted, but he answered them the way he wanted. God is good. He has our best interests in mind. Don’t give up praying.