It's Not About the Answer

Have you ever asked "why?" Why didn't God answer my prayers?

In the book I Know His Name by Wendy Blight, she teaches that prayer isn't about the answer; it's about God.  

It is somewhat confusing, I must admit. Why pray if God knows the beginning, middle, and end? Why ask for what we want? Wendy says, "Prayer is not about the answer! It's about God." But what does that mean?

Prayer is about communication with God, opening the dialogue, and learning to trust in Him for everything. Yes, he knows the beginning, middle, and end, but when we pray, it is a communication with Him that allows us to surrender it all to him. In the book, Wendy gives five steps when praying to God. I have added some commentary around each of them.

1. Tell God your need(s). (Philippians 4:6)

This scripture reminds us not to be anxious about anything. You need to tell Him everything! Even though He already knows it, you need to say it! Like your friend or significant other, talk it out with God like you are talking to a friend!

2. Pray and ask in full faith without doubting. (James 1:6)

We are all guilty of this - going into prayer, but in the back of our minds, not really trusting. We even go into conversations, meetings, and events with doubts. But with God, we need to go into the conversation with confidence. Don't doubt what you are praying for. Believe it with all your heart.

3. Commit to what you have asked to God's sovereignty. (Isaiah 46:9-10) 

I'll save you the time of looking up "sovereignty" - it means supreme power or authority. So when you pray, you are committing that prayer to someone greater than yourself. You are asking it all in His name.  

4. Leave your requests with Him to act according to His perfect will. (Psalm 57:1; Isaiah 55:9)

This one also reminds me of Psalm 130:5: "I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised." I remember saying that to God repeatedly during Covid when we were all in lockdown. I just had to pray and then trust. Trusting that He had a plan far greater than my own.

5. Trust that His answer is the best way to accomplish His plan and purpose. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

This is the hard part, right? When we don't get our prayers answered to our liking, understanding and accepting the answer is the struggle. But that is temporary. How many times have you looked back in your life and thought, "Wow, I'm so glad that prayer didn't come to pass!" Why? Because God gave you more than you could have ever dreamed possible. That is trust. He has a wonderful plan in store for us.

What does all of this mean? Pray. Don't worry about the answer. It is about your communication throughout the day, the trust, and the acceptance you have with God. 

Ultimately, God wants you to communicate with confidence, trust without doubt, accept without anger, look back in gratitude, and marvel at the awesome gifts He will provide.  

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