Answering Prayer

 Although we are assured God answers our prayers, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," (Eph. 3:20), it is pure foolishness to try and predict how God will answer those prayers, . There is, however some information from Scripture which may help understand what He does and when He does it. Yet, in this we need to remember God’s ways are higher than our understanding. Let us consider this: It seems God takes most pleasure in answering prayers from one who is a believer and desires to make the change requested within himself. In this case, there is only one free-willed person to work with, the requestor. If the request is something within God’s overall desires for humankind, is good for the person’s spiritual journey, and fits in with His overall desires for others, God will likely grant the request at the time which is best for all those involved in the request. If the request involves other Christians, more time may be required for the Holy Spirit to guide the other people to a point where they can make a supportive decision. Ultimately, it will be their decision and nothing forced on them by God. If the person is not a Christian, an even longer period of time might be required before the affected people make the decision God desires; this might never happen. When we consider this explanation, we may think, but God is God and can do anything He wants. This is true to the extent He is following His eternal character. Within His eternal qualities is His decision to allow humans free will decisions. This means God works with humankind to convince them that His methods are best; this may require a really long time. There several biblical instances that illustrate the limits God has placed on Himself. God allows people to choose whether or not to follow what He wants to happen; if they choose not to accept, He will find another way to accomplish His desires. This aspect can be seen in His decision to convince Gideon by displaying the wet and dry fleece when he was asked to lead, (cf. Jdgs 6:36-40). This is also displayed in the New Testament when He convinced Zechariah that the baby’s name would be “John,” (Lk. 1:5ff.). It has also been revealed that Mary was given a choice about being the mother of the Savior where she makes the statement, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” (Lk. 1:31-38). Joseph also had a choice about taking a pregnant Mary as his wife (Matt. 1:18-24). Additionally, Paul was given a choice after a very direct correcting revelation on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:1-43). God has chosen to limit some of His direct choices and only work with those who have faith in Him. This is revealed when scripture says Jesus did not have the ability to heal those who did not have faith in Him. Mark says, "And he ‘could do’ no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.  And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching,"(MK. 6:5-6). God’s chosen limitation is related to faith or belief in Him. God always wants what is best for us as He sees the future we have not yet experienced. So, those prayers which are closest to the things God wants will usually be answered more quickly. Regardless of how long is required to achieve an answer, those prayers will be answered at the Time God chooses. Another is that God will never answer a prayer in a way that causes spiritual harm to His child.