I seem to have problems believing God can answer my prayers. So often, when I do pray, my prayers are not answered. Can you help?
Here is a verse from the one and only chapter of Jude that I think will encourage you: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy.” (Jude 24)
Concentrate on those first few words: “Now to Him who is able.” Whatever your need, your request, your circumstances, our God is able to help, guide, enable, and sustain you.
The Greek word used for able is translated as “the one who has power.” God has unlimited power to involve Himself in your life. Therefore, when we go to Him in prayer, we should never doubt whether He is able to answer our request.
Too often believers fail to comprehend the magnificent, unequaled power of our mighty God. One reason, as you point out, is that all of our prayers seem not to be answered. “If God has all power,” we say, “then why doesn’t He grant our petitions?”
When we talk about God’s unlimited power, we must remember that does not mean God can do all things. For instance, we know that God cannot lie. He cannot change. That is because God never works contrary to His nature and character.
Just as important, His power is always coupled with His purposes. God could have saved His Son, Jesus from Calvary’s cruel death. He could have rescued His and shattered the opposition. Why didn’t He?
Because His plan to save mankind from their sin rested on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. If He had intervened, man would live in utter futility – without hope of abundant or eternal life.
Our God is able to help us face life in assured victory. He is at work to fulfill His eternal plans through His awesome power.
When we pray, concentrate on God’s power to supply our needs. Dwell on His character and faithfulness, realizing that He is for you, not against you. He is also within you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Because He is able, we are also able to endure any situation through His keeping power.
God will always link His power with His purposes for your life. He wants the best for you, and that sometimes means denying your petitions.
That does not limit His omnipotence. It puts it to work on your behalf with your highest welfare in mind. That should give you great confidence to approach the Heavenly Father in absolute trust.
