We don’t know how God will answer a prayer, but we do know that if we wait, the answer will come. There is no guarantee that the answer will be to our liking or that it will be delivered in a speedy fashion. We must stay patient, wait and continue to pray. Yes, this is easier said than done, but a persistent spirit and attitude keep our faith strong.
My mother is a good example of someone who knows how to wait upon the Lord for an answer to her prayers. Some of her prayers have taken years before they were answered, but she never gave up. At 12, my mom came to the United States from Puerto Rico with her grandmother. Once here, she prayed continuously for her father to be able to visit her in New York City.
Fifteen years later, my grandfather was finally able to make the trip to see my mother, his daughter, who was married with children of her own by then. Years later, my father stopped going to church and no longer had an interest in caring for his spiritual life. My mother prayed for him to reconnect with God each and every day. It took 25 years before this prayer was answered, and my father re-engaged with his faith, but once again she never gave up.
Though we can’t be certain if a prayer will be answered in a short period of time or in the manner we would like, we must remember that God wants the best for us. We must learn to be patient and trust in Him. The word of the prophet Isaiah encourages us to continue to pray and wait for answers, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” God will give us the strength to persevere in our faith and trust His timing.
Lord, give us strength and let us not be dismayed as we wait and pray.
