When we question the power of prayer, we lose it. The devil is trying to rob us of hope by making it appear that prayer is no longer effective.<\/p>\n
How clever Satan is, as he tries to deceive us with lies and unnecessary fears. When Jacob was brought the false news that Joseph had been killed, it sickened him to despair, even though it was a lie. Joseph was alive and prospering, while all this time his father grieved in sorrow, having believed the lie.<\/p>\n
Unbelieving fears rob the believer of joy and confidence in God. God does not hear all prayer; he hears only believing prayer. Prayer is the only weapon we have against the enemy and must be used in great confidence, or else we have no other defense against Satan’s lies.<\/p>\n
We think God has not heard us because we see no evidence of an answer. However, you can be sure that the longer a prayer is delayed, the more perfect it will come forth at last. Also, the deeper the silence, the louder the answer.<\/p>\n
Our lack of patience is proof enough that we do not expect much from prayer. We leave the secret closet of prayer, ready to go on muddling our way through; it seems we would even be shocked if God did answer.<\/p>\n
Abraham prayed for a child, and God answered. How many years went by before he held that child in his arms? Every faithful prayer is heard the moment it is prayed, but God chooses to answer in his own way and in his own time. Meanwhile, he expects us to rejoice in the naked promises and feast on hope while we wait for the fulfillment. Also, he wraps his denials in the sweet package of love, to prevent us from falling into despair.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise\u201d (Hebrews 10:36, NKJV).<\/em><\/p>\n