Unanswered Prayer by Charles
Simeon Matthew chapter 7, verses 7 and 8. Ask, and it will be
given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock,
and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. He who seeks, finds. And to him
who knocks, the door will be opened. God will grant us, in
answer to our prayers, such blessings as He knows to be best for us.
If He does not give us the exact thing we asked for, then He will
give us that which on the whole is far better, and which we would
have asked for, if we had known what was best for us, as He does.
The time of God's answer may appear to our impatient minds
to be too long, but His answer shall not be protracted beyond
the fittest season. If anyone is discouraged for
lack of an answer to his prayers, let him remember that God may
have answered them already, though unperceived, and in a way not
contemplated by the suppliant himself. Paul, when praying for
the removal of the thorn in his flesh, did not have it removed. Instead, his thorn was sanctified,
and grace was given to him to improve it aright. Three times
I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said
to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made
perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12, verses 8 and 9. Know then whether you see it
or not, that God both does, and will, answer your petitions.
Only let our prayers be humble, and believing, and submissive,
and they shall never go forth in vain. The Lord Jesus gives
us a perfect pattern for resignation in prayer. Father, if you are
willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet
I want your will to be done, not mine. Luke 22, verse 42.