The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
Does it seem as though God’s answer is always “no” or “wait” when you pray? You may begin to think that asking God for help is pointless. Maybe you even tried begging Him for help but because you feel rejected, you stop praying altogether.
Life can be tough, causing many to ask “Why does God allow so much pain in this life?” He doesn’t. Just because something happens doesn’t mean it is God’s will. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that He’s not willing that any would perish, yet hundreds go into eternity every day without knowing Him. We live in a fallen, imperfect world and sometimes bad things simply happen.
Many people have a misconception about prayer that causes them to shy away from it. They think prayer is begging God for something and He decides if His answer is yes, no or wait. If they work up the right level of emotion, they hope He’ll have compassion and drop the answer into their life.
Prayer is not begging God. It’s absorbing God. Just as people who spend a lot of time together begin to develop similar characteristics, God’s thoughts and beliefs can rub off on you when you spend time with Him.
Do not become discouraged! As you spend time in prayer and come to know God better by reading His Word, you will absorb more of Him. Things that you thought impossible will become possible!