Delays in answering prayers can occur due to God's desire to show His power, to increase the petitioner's fervor, or to reveal something that needs to be addressed in the petitioner. We are to wait patiently and continue praying earnestly, with hopeful expectation that God's response will come in due time.
Therefore will the Lord wait that He may be gracious unto you. — Isaiah 30:18
We don’t like to wait long, do we? I know I’ve had to learn the hard way to wait! We wait for stoplights, cashiers, buffering, birthdays, and so many other things.
Including answered prayer.
God often delays in answering prayer.
What is the reason for that?
Here are three possible reasons:
Spurgeon says,
* You might be waiting for an answer because God wants you to really want it.
* Sometimes, he delays answering prayers to reveal something in us that needs fixing.
* Or, he might want to show us his power and sovereignty.
We find delays in Scripture.
We would not delay, but our Savior did. Why?
It was for his glory that Jesus delayed!
What to do while waiting.
The farmer and the gardener know there is time between planting and harvesting. This delay is for growth, and watering and sunshine are needed for the growing. This is prayer time.
Let not despair make you silent, but continue instant in earnest supplication.
C.H. Spurgeon
This delay builds our trust in Him.
This kind of waiting means to look with hopeful expectation, with patience and endurance - while we pray through the delay.
So, when you're praying and waiting, remember that God has a purpose for the delay. Keep praying, don't lose heart, be willing to adjust your asking if you find your asking is delayed for one of the reasons above. All your prayers are filed in heaven and they are not forgotten, and God's grace and mercy will come to you in due time to your delight and satisfaction (Spurgeon).
