God Always Answers

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:7-8; John 15:7

Jack sighed as he finished praying, feeling discouraged and wondering if his prayers did any good. As he left his room, the scent of toast filled his nose, and he hurried downstairs.

“Breakfast!” Mom called.

Jack took a seat and began to pray but then stopped. After his last prayer, he didn’t feel like praying again. Instead, he shoveled food onto his fork.

“What’s the matter?” Mom asked.

Jack hesitated and then looked up. “God won’t answer my prayers.”

Suddenly, there came a rumble of the school bus outside. Jack grabbed his backpack as Mom gave him a kiss, whispering, “Yes, He does.”

That whole day all Jack could think about were the prayers God hadn’t answered. When he got home, he immediately headed toward the stairs.

“Jack, wait,” Mom said, stopping him. “Please sit down.” She led him to the living room. “I want you to ask me for something,” Mom said.

Jack frowned. “Umm…can I go to my room?”

“No,” Mom gently replied.

Jack looked over at his backpack. “Will you help me with my homework?”

“Yes, of course.” Mom nodded.

“Can I have a sleepover on Friday?” Jack asked.

“For now I just want you to wait, okay?” Mom said.

Jack frowned, not sure what kind of game they were playing.

“You asked me for three things, right?” said Mom.

““No.” Jack shook his head.

“That’s what it’s like with God,” Mom said. “When we pray, sometimes God says no, other times yes, and sometimes He tells us to wait. But He always answers our prayers. We’re His children, and He loves us—He sent Jesus to die for us so we could spend eternity with Him! Even though we won’t always get the answer we’re looking for, we can trust that He hears us and will do what’s best for us.”

Jack thought back to some of his earlier prayers. He hadn’t considered that God’s answer might be a no or that God may be telling him to wait. His spirits lifted as he realized that God hadn’t been ignoring him. He had always answered his prayers. • Hope Dougherty

How About You?

Does God ever seem silent to you? Do you pray and feel like He doesn’t answer? It can seem that way sometimes, but God is not silent. We may not always like His answers to our prayers, but He cares for us and will always listen and respond. So continue to pray, knowing that God will never leave your prayers unanswered.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 John 5:14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God always answers prayers