Spiritual Disciplines Pastor Israel Velasco

Spiritual Discipline: Trusting God Through Unanswered Prayer

It becomes a struggle to trust God when prayers go unanswered.

11 Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” 1 Samuel 19:11      

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. 2 Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. 3 See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.   

4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me 4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! 5 You, LORD God Almighty, You who are the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.     

6 They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city 6 They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. 7 See what they spew from their mouths—the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?”   

8 But you laugh at them, LORD; you scoff at all those nations 8 But you laugh at them, LORD; you scoff at all those nations. 9 You are my strength, I watch for You; You, God, are my fortress,10 my God on whom I can rely. Psalm 59:1-10      

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.   

11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. Daniel 6:10-11      

What do we do when the prayer we pray isn’t answered our way?

They learned to trust God.

Trusting God will never happen by chance, it happens by choice!

We let our circumstance dictate our trust in God.

We can set ourselves up for disappointment by how we pray.

If our trust in God hinges on the next circumstance, we have a poor understanding of God.

23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:23      

Just because God did not deliver me from the problem does not mean He won’t deliver me in the problem.

When you know who God is to you, you’ll know what he can do for you!

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18      

Our attitude in those moments is a direct reflection of the trust we have for God.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the LORD. Psalm 31:6      

in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8      

God is much bigger than one answer in one circumstance.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28      

Jesus hasn’t stopped being good and one circumstance won’t change that.

We will always trust what we know.