Why doesn't God answer my prayers?

The Eternal Question

As a CBN counselor for the 700 Club, I receive a wide range of prayer requests, from praying for pets to addressing more serious issues. Sometimes, I can’t help but smile at some of the requests, like praying to find a lost item. Other times, I feel a deep sense of sadness when people ask, “Why doesn’t God answer me?”

While I enjoy my role as a prayer counselor, it does have its limitations. Often, I advise people to seek guidance from a pastor or visit cbn.com for further support. For instance, I once received a call from a frustrated individual who was fervently praying for a wife. The WHYs and HOW COMEs can be overwhelming.

In one memorable call, I heard a loud voice exclaim, “GOD, HOW COME I DON’T HAVE A WIFE? GIMME A WIFE, GOD!” It felt as if they believed they were speaking directly to God on the other line. I was tempted to respond in a deep, God-like voice, “With an attitude like that, you’re not going anywhere!”

Faith and Patience

One dear lady shared with me that she had waited 40 years for a husband and was angry with God. I tried to encourage her, reminding her that prayers can still be answered, but she felt it was too late and that no man wanted her.

While I can’t provide all the answers, I can offer some thought-provoking insights. The Bible tells us that we inherit God’s promises through faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12). Personally, I was healed from asthma after suffering for 20 years. It was so severe that I was hospitalized twice and nearly died. Now, looking back, I’ve learned a few things.

First, the problem is not with God. If you have a promise from God in the Bible, it is for you because God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). I believe that healing is God’s will, but there are conditions that must be met.

In fact, God desires your healing so much that He hastens to perform His word (Jeremiah 1:12). The issue is not with God; it’s with us. We are not making the proper connection. The Bible says that wisdom is the principal thing (Proverbs 4:7).

Reflecting on my healing journey, I realized the problem was not with God but with me. I needed to renew my mind and spend more time in prayer. We all get sidetracked occasionally, but we cannot blame God when answers don’t come. Today, let’s ask ourselves, “Are we making the right connection?”