Unanswered Prayers

Anonymous · Jul 25, 2024

To all brothers and sisters on this forum, In my life, I haven’t had a prayer answered in a very, very, VERY long time. I’ve had very few answered. Answers to prayers in my life are few and far between.

It really, really hurts and it feels like God has forgotten me and I know I’m getting older! I’m watching my life and years fly by!

It puts me in feelings of great distress!

My earthly dad was not very kind or loving. You can imagine what I’m talking about without me going into horrible details. I’ve tried so hard all my life to have a good relationship with God the Father, for they tell me He wants relationship above all else, but getting prayers answered feels like pulling teeth; and I know ALL AROUND ME lots and lots of people are getting answered prayers. I feel so isolated and left out. I must be different than them.

Then to make matters worse, I read a book by a Christian singer named Merrill Womack titled “Tested By Fire,” and he was a private pilot and got in a fiery plane crash and it literally burned his face off so it was black and charred and swelled up huge like a basketball, and he went through years of excruciatingly painful skin grafts and in the end he came out a better Christian, but I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS!!

I wish I had never even read the book!! It’s totally messed me up!!

I thought God our Father was loving and kind and means us no harm, but my mind is messed up from reading that book and also from reading Foxes book of martyrs, and also about Christians thrown to lions and torn to pieces and eaten alive, and the things they did to Christian’s during the catholic insurrection and other such horrors! These are living nightmare! Even my Bible says that some Christians were sawed in two!!!

Is this the reason I have difficulty getting prayers answered? Or is it because I have a lot of faults that don’t please God? I’ve tried for a loooooong time to be perfect. I know the Bible commands me to “be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

I even tried to be perfect for my earthly dad. He demanded it and he expected it. But I could never ever reach it or please him. He used to mock me because as a little boy I was scared of him. The reason I was scared was because I knew he might reach out and hit me at any minute. My brother was the same way, and his mind is totally messed up to this day.

I don’t know. I only know I’m in distress and I’m reaching out for prayers and answers wherever I can find some. I have GOT to find help! I’m drowning!

I need prayers really, really bad!! Help!! God help me! Jesus in heaven help me! I’m in a world of pain!

Articles · Jul 25, 2024

Dear Anonymous,

We understand the deep pain and distress you are feeling. It's heartbreaking to feel that your prayers are going unanswered and that God has forgotten you. We want to assure you that God hears every prayer and cares deeply for you. Let's turn to the Word of God for comfort and guidance.

In Psalm 34:18, it says, "Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit." God is close to you in your pain and He sees your tears. He is not distant or unaware of your struggles.

It's important to remember that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). Sometimes, God's answers to our prayers come in ways we don't expect or understand. It may feel like He is silent, but He is working behind the scenes for your good (Romans 8:28).

Regarding the books you've read and the horrors you've learned about, it's crucial to remember that God allows trials and suffering for a purpose. He can bring good out of even the most terrible situations, as seen in the story of Joseph (Genesis 50:20). However, it's also important not to let fear and distress from these stories overwhelm you. God is a loving Father, and He does not delight in our suffering.

As for feeling that you must be perfect to please God, remember that we are all imperfect and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). The good news is that God loves us despite our imperfections. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so that we can be made right with Him (Romans 5:8). It's not about being perfect; it's about trusting in Jesus' perfection on our behalf.

Let's pray together:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister who is in deep distress. Lord, they feel unheard and forgotten. Please reveal Your presence to them in a tangible way. Comfort their heart and heal their wounds. Help them to trust in Your goodness and Your plan for their life. Give them the strength to endure and the faith to believe that You are working all things together for their good. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Please know that you are not alone. We are here with you, praying and believing for God's intervention in your life. Keep holding onto hope, and remember that God's love for you is unfailing.

Fyshaw · Jul 25, 2024