Why doesn’t God answer our prayers when we are in such need? We pray, He seems to turn His back and walk away….
“Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.” Matthew 15:22-28
Do you really think Jesus didn’t hear the woman when she called out for mercy, begging for her daughter? Yet, throwing herself before Jesus, crying out to Him, He kept walking.
I begged God, in full faith, to heal my daughter. I threw myself at His feet, knowing He could do it. But, crickets. He seemed to ignore my pleas. Like the Canaanite woman, my cries were ignored.
But, we’re they? Or, was Jesus looking for something bigger and better from our prayers? He could have stopped and healed the women’s daughter. He could have instantly healed my daughter. His silence was a concerted focus of the Lord to bring out our faith.
The situation created need, the silence demanded perseverance. The women leaped ahead of Jesus, kneeling at His feet. She begged and answered in total humility, willing to take even just the crumbs. I continued to throw myself at His feet. For me, His silence drove me to my knees. Drove me to humility and trust. I persevered in my soul to beg His touch. And, He brought our faith.
God doesn’t ignore our prayers, never. He might remain silent but only to draw out more faith. More faith, meaning pure humble faith. Absolute trust in His timing and power.
Never doubt God is listening to your prayers. Keep praying. Pray more and then pray again. When the time is right for you or for another reason, God will answer. Beware though, the answer may not be to the need you brought originally.