What to Do When the Answer to Your Prayer Is Delayed

Answered prayer is a joyous occasion indeed. But what happens when the answer to your prayer seemingly doesn’t come? What is up with this? Have you ever asked yourself why you didn’t get the answer? It’s okay to ask that question because the answer on the other end of that query leads to astounding insight into the character and mind of God. Let me say it boldly. It is God’s intent that every prayer prayed in Jesus’ Name, prayed according to His will, prayed in line with the Bible be answered one hundred times out of one hundred. Have you ever thought, ‘Wow, I sure missed it here? Well, are you sure you failed? George Muller thought he did. He wrote concerning his orphan ministry: “The funds are exhausted. We had been reduced so low as to be at the point of selling those things which could be spared.…” Then a woman arrived who had been traveling for four days, brought with her sufficient funds for the orphanage. Muller and his co-workers had prayed those four days for something God had already answered. Under these circumstances, Muller made the following observation: “That the money had been so near the orphan house for several days without being given, is a plain proof that it was from the beginning in the heart of God to help us; but because he delights in the prayers of His children, He had allowed us to pray so long; also to try our faith, and to make the answer so much sweeter.”[ 1. Cited in George Muller, Autobiography [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981], p. 110.] There’s a tremendous lesson here. What to Do When the Answer to Your Prayer Is Delayed, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

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Each week’s podcast contains a call to action. The Word of God will not produce in your life unless you put it into operation.
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When you experience delays, keep standing. Delays are not denials. God has already sent the answer.

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We are currently teaching in the book of First Thessalonians. You can click on the links below to listen to some of these podcasts.

About Emery

Emery committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ over 45 years ago and has served as both a full-time pastor and an itinerant minister. He and his wife Sharon of 40 years emphasize personal growth and development through the Word of God. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is the focus and the hallmark of their mission. Read more about them here.

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Podcast Notes

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1 Thessalonians 3:7–13 (ESV): 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Answered Prayer: Praying Night and Day

In a previous podcast, we saw that Satan hindered Paul from coming to see the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 2:17–18 (ESV) – 17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.

Paul was intent on going but he couldn’t get there.
So, we saw that instead of going himself, he sends Timothy to the Thessalonians.
Again, we’ve committed podcasts to this thought that Satan can hinder you but, he can’t stop you.
So, here Paul is praying trying to get to the Thessalonians.
He is trying to get the Lord to help him make this happen.
The scripture says that he’s praying night and day – which is an interesting way of saying this.
Why not say ‘day and night?’

Was Paul a Night Owl?

Could it be that this great Apostle to the Gentiles was a ‘night owl?’
We can see this in the Book of Acts in several places.

**Acts 20:4–7 (ESV): Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, 6 but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days. 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.

Paul preached at midnight.
You wouldn’t find me preaching at midnight — I’m sleeping at midnight.
Here’s another account of some late nights with Paul.

Acts 16:25–26 (ESV) — 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.

Here’s yet one more account.

Acts 27:27–31 (ESV) — 27 When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms. A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”

Paul was up at midnight again.
Now you could argue that it’s tough to sleep in the middle of a storm but, we know that Jesus did.

Matthew 8:23–24 (ESV) — 23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep.

Now, just in case, you think this is just the way the writer put his words together and maybe the order of these words doesn’t mean anything, take a look at Nehemiah.

Nehemiah 1:6 (ESV): 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned.

Nehemiah prayed day and night.
He was a day person.
Maybe this thread is an encouragement to all of you night owls out there. who has a different body clock?
Let’s go back to our text.

10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

So, night and day, Paul is praying about this.
Night and day mean he is continually bringing this issue before the Lord.
In fact, the Greek grammar shows this asking as in the present tense which means continual asking.

Answered Prayer: Praying with Intensity

But he is not just going through the motions asking – he is doing it, as the scripture has it ‘most earnestly.’
Most earnestly means with fervency.
Can we say with intense fervent earnestness?
Yes, you can.
Can we say with all your heart?
Yes, you can.
Paul is going at this thing tooth and toenail.
Do you understand that expression?
He is all in.
Are you all in with the stuff that you’re praying about?

James 5:16 (AMP) — 16 …The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

And with that thought, here is the Illustration of the Day.

Too often our petitions fit the description of prayer given by Thomas Brooks, who said, “Cold prayers are as arrows without arrowheads, as swords without edges, as birds without wings; they don’t pierce, they don’t cut, they don’t fly up to heaven. Cold prayers always freeze before they reach heaven.” To become more effective in our praying, we should heed these words of Bishop Hall: “It is not the arithmetic of our prayers, how many they are; nor the rhetoric of our prayers, how eloquent they are; nor the geometry of our prayers, how long they are; nor the music of our prayers, how sweet our voice is; nor the method of our prayers, how orderly they are; nor even the theology of our prayers, how good the doctrine is —which God cares for. Fervency of spirit is that which availeth much.” James reminds us that Elijah “prayed earnestly.” And with the answers he received, the very forces of nature were changed! By contrast, indefinite praying by indifferent people brings little results. Fervent prayer, if it be for God’s glory and presented in the name of His Son Jesus, will accomplish great things for time and eternity¹

Jesus is our example here of fervent prayer.

Hebrews 5:7 (ESV) — 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.

So, Paul prayed the way Jesus prayed.
Remember, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available.
That’s the scripture we read in James.

Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear the famed C. H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, “Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?” They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn’t want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “This is our heating plant.” Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon².

Answered Prayer: What Happens When There Are Delays?

Paul wanted to come to the Thessalonians.
He’s praying about it.
Nothing is happening.
Satan hindered him from coming.
Do you remember the opening Illustration?
Mueller was praying for four days.
It seemed like there was a delay.
But, the answer was on the road — on the way for four days.

Daniel 10:2–13 (ESV 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks… 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground. 10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia,

Did you hear the words ‘from the first day that you set your heart to understand… you words have been heard.
Daniel was praying twenty-one days but God heard his prayer on the first day that he prayed.
There was a delay.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days.
This prince was a satanic spirit who fought so that the answer to Daniel’s prayer would not come.
Delay does not mean denial.
Delay does not mean that God did not hear you.
Delay does not mean that you are not in faith.
Delay is just that — a delay.
It’s a hindrance.
Satan can hinder you but he can’t stop you.
Log that into your thinking and stay steady.

Ephesians 6:13 (ESV) — 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

The enemy can hinder answers to prayer but the answer will come — it will punch through the resistance.

Answered Prayer: Make Sure You Are Not the Source of Failure

Make sure though that you are not the cause of the hindrance.

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) — 7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Sometimes the hindrance is us, not the devil.
Sometimes the hindrance is relationships and how we are with people.
It’s a lack of respect.
We are not showing honor as we should.
The Word of God says that men should be understanding, which means have comprehension of the fact that the wife is the physically weaker person [from a muscular strength standpoint].
It doesn’t mean that she is weaker mentally.
The woman is not weaker spiritually or soul-ically – you know emotionally.
So, men should live with their wives understanding that there is this physical limitation, and show honor and respect instead of doing the opposite.
Now, what’s the honor piece about?
It’s about the fact that despite the female’s physical limitation, you both — husband and wife are heirs together.
You both have access to the same grace of God.
You both have access to the same life of God.
When you honor your wife, you respect what God put in her and so you honor God.
When you don’t respect the fact that spiritually you are heirs together, you disrespect what God put in her and so you dishonor the Lord.
If you dishonor the Lord — your prayers won’t get answered — plain and simple.

Answered Prayer: What Paul Did

1 Thessalonians 3:10 (ESV) — 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

So, Paul is praying night and day, we’ve seen that.
He is praying with fervency and earnestness.
The answer to his prayer is delayed.
What does Paul do?
What should you do if you’re in the same boat?

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Right in the middle of the letter he is writing, Paul makes a positive declaration of his faith.
Listen to it.

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,

Direct our way to you? – yes that’s the very thing Paul was praying about.
Paul is still standing and believing God for the answer.
When you experience delays, keep standing.
Delays are not denials.
God has already sent the answer.
The only one that can turn off your faith is you.

Hebrews 10:35–36 (ESV) — 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Do not ‘throw away’ your confidence.
The words ‘throw away’ is a good translation.
Throw away means you had it but then you lost it or got rid of it.
The word confidence is the Greek word for boldness.
The word confidence means a state of boldness and confidence, courage, and, fearlessness, especially in the presence of persons of high rank.
Boldness is “frank speech.”
It is speech that conceals nothing and passes over nothing, outspokenness, or plainness.
It is speech that could get you in trouble.³
It’s right to be bold.
It’s right to pray for boldness.

Acts 4:29–32 (ESV) — 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Paul asked the believers in Ephesus to pray for him in this regard.

Ephesians 6:18–20 (ESV) — 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

We are instructed here in the book of Hebrews not to throw this kind of frankness of speech away.
When you experience delays, keep standing — be strong — be bold to declare.
May God direct our way to you.
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Paul had declarations of faith going both directions: for himself and for the Thessalonians.
When you experience delays, keep declaring — keep the Word straight in your mouth.
Don’t assume God didn’t hear you — He did.
Don’t assume the answer was no.
All the promises of God are in Him Yes and Amen.
Don’t assume that the Bible is not working — the Bible is working.
You have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise.
What’s the promise?

Matthew 7:7–8 (ESV) — Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Answered prayer is the promise.
Pray in faith, pray according to the Word, pray according to His will, and pray according to His plan and you will receive if you faint not.

Galatians 6:9 (KJV 1900) — 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

The word ‘faint’ means to be exhausted in strength, become weary, and give out.
You know that’s one reason why people leave Planet Earth in their old age.
They keep saying ‘I’m tired, I’m tired, I’m tired — over and over again.’
You’ll never get refreshed saying you’re tired.
The Bible did not say ‘call things that are as though they are’ — you’ll find that reference in Romans four and verse seventeen.
It says to call things that are not as though they are.
Call the thing that doesn’t exist into being.
You know like some people, ‘I just call it like I see it.’
No, you call it like you believe it.
So, instead of calling things that are as though they are — look at what you are not and declare the opposite.
Instead of saying I’m sick — say I’m healed.
Instead of saying that you’re — say I’m well-rested and I am strong in my physical body.
You keep saying long enough and strong enough and you will have it.

Now, Father God thank you for your Holy written Word. You are good God, a prayer answering Father. You empower us with boldness, courage and strength to receive. Thank you for seasons and times of rejoicing as we see your Word come to pass. Thank you for this in Jesus Name, Amen.

#S3-033: How to Pray Practically for Presidents and Kings [Podcast]

__________
References:

PR.V. Our Daily Bread, September 14 ↩
Our Daily Bread, April 24 ↩
David A. deSilva, NT201 The Cultural World of the New Testament, Logos Mobile Education (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015). ↩

emeryhorvath.com

Equipping people to pursue God's glory

What to Do When the Answer to Your Prayer Is Delayed

Podcast: Light on Life Season Ten Episode Thirty

by Emery Horvath

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Accept the Challenge

Join the Conversation

Episode Resources:

We are currently teaching in the book of First Thessalonians. You can click on the links below to listen to some of these podcasts.

About Emery

Subscribe to the Podcast

Share the Love

Podcast Notes

Review

Answered Prayer: Praying Night and Day

Was Paul a Night Owl?

Answered Prayer: Praying with Intensity

Answered Prayer: What Happens When There Are Delays?

Answered Prayer: Make Sure You Are Not the Source of Failure

Answered Prayer: What Paul Did

Listen to the Audio

Click to Listen | Right Click to Download |Subscribe in PlayerFM

Read the Notes

Accept the Challenge

Join the Conversation

Episode Resources:

We are currently teaching in the book of First Thessalonians. You can click on the links below to listen to some of these podcasts.

About Emery

Subscribe to the Podcast

Share the Love

Podcast Notes

Review

Answered Prayer: Praying Night and Day

Was Paul a Night Owl?

Answered Prayer: Praying with Intensity

Answered Prayer: What Happens When There Are Delays?

Answered Prayer: Make Sure You Are Not the Source of Failure

Answered Prayer: What Paul Did

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