When God Does Not Answer

            Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” (Isa 58:9)

Often in our prayers, we ask God, “Please, Lord. Let me know Your will. Please, listen to my pleas and draw close to me! I am trying to draw close to You!” Yet, many of us may have encountered prayer after prayer without reaching God. Why isn’t He answering?

God says, “Return to me…and I will return to you” (Zech 1:3). But Lord, I seek Your answers all day long! I wish to obey Your commands! I am doing all I can!

Are we really?

God replies to the Israelites, “Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high” (Isa 58:4).

Are we doing our part in the prayer equation? Do we even think to change the way we act and what we say? Are we committing to our half of the prayer? Are we truly returning to God?

Perhaps if we have ever encountered prayers when God seems to be on vacation, we should ask ourselves, “What am I doing while I’m praying? Am I trying to be better? Am I still living my old lifestyle? Do I cause strife with others after prayer?”

Sometimes God just requires us to have more patience and to wait for His answer in His time. Other times, He is waiting for us to change the manner in which we present our requests. He is waiting for our requests to come from the heart. He is waiting for our requests to be accompanied by actions.

And then, and only then . . .

            Your light shall break forth like the morning, 
Your healing shall spring forth speedily, 
And your righteousness shall go before you; 
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; 
You shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.” (Isa 58:8, 9)

God is always listening, but He is also waiting. He is waiting for us to do our part.

            Question for Reflection:

What is your part in the prayer equation?