We live in a world of immediate conveniences and instant answers. We really don’t know much about waiting. Patience? What’s that? Well, we know but we don’t want to cultivate the virtue of patience when it comes to prayers.
I’m not saying that every prayer will be answered in the exact way that we wish. There are certainly reasons why we may not receive the answer we are seeking. Take a look at James 4:2-3
You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
Our prayers can’t just be blanket statements of wants and desires. They need to be specific to God’s will and purpose. But even when we think we are praying in those ways sometimes there still aren’t answers. At least not at the speed of our will (which is immediacy). God has called us to wait upon Him in patience and love, with faith and thanksgiving (Phil 54:5-7).
What to do When God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayers
Be steadfast in prayer, seeking His specific will. We will know His will by reading His word. Be diligent and don’t stop seeking Him. Knock and keep on knocking! After all, like Peter’s sentiment, who else is there to run to? Keep going, He is listening and the answer may be closer than you think.