When God Hasn't Answered Your Prayer

Have you ever wondered why God doesn't answer your prayers right away?

Mark 7:24 tells the story of a mother who's daughter was possessed by an evil spirit. The mother was upset, as any parent would be in watching their child suffer. The Bible says "She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter" in verse 26. She obviously had faith in Jesus; otherwise she wouldn't have come to him and asked for healing. Jesus told her in verse 27, "First let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." But the mother showed her faith and replied in verse 28, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Her persistence in asking for the Lord's help indicates much more than her tenacity, but her faith in him.

Sometimes faith will take you down a hard road leaving you there for a long time.

Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (One version says "those who diligently seek him").

So what does He reward the believer with? Not money. Not success. Those who diligently seek Him are rewarded with the very thing they are seeking---God Himself. He is the a Rewarder. Persistence in faith and prayer will bring God's grace and mercy. That's enough of a reward.

God has a reason and an answer for your need.