How do you feel when you have unanswered prayers? Our newest devotional writer, Diane, shares her thoughts. (Welcome, Diane!)
“I will give thanks, for You answered me; You have become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:21)
Last January I was sent to a research hospital by my gastroenterologist to try to establish the source of my upper GI pain. They believed it to be a rare condition called sphincter of ODI syndrome which is a malfunction of the ducts in the liver and pancreatic ducts. The test proved positive and surgery was done to correct it.
We were so happy, rejoicing that finally I would not be in continuous pain when eating. However, the symptoms did not get better. In fact, they became more severe. I have to say I really began to doubt that God was listening. What happened to the healing answer?
Over time, however, when I looked at my unanswered prayers, I came to realize that God’s answer of healing and mine are different. Yes, at times He has graciously healed me physically. More importantly, though, He has chosen the path which is higher–my spiritual healing.
Have you ever said the words, “I have prayed, but God hasn’t given me an answer”? I have. I have been through times where I have both said and felt that I had unanswered prayers. I often have heard this from others who are struggling with chronic illness. It can sometimes lead to thoughts that maybe God doesn’t hear me or even care.
But with this scripture God tell us He has already answered us! He, Jesus, answered our prayer long before we uttered a word. Jesus chose to answer the most improtant prayer we could ever ask–to become sin for us that we would have salvation through Him.
This scripture reminds me that though I may be struggling with pain, illness, financial difficulties, or yet again the doctors inability to diagnosis, God has not left us with unanswered prayers, but He has answerd the most important prayer we will every speak: Lord, clean me, forgive me, and be my savior.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You answered my prayer, knowing exactly what I needed long before I could even ask. Thank You for Your grace, forgiveness, and salvation. Amen.
Welcome to our newest devotional writer!
Diane Kalata is a Floridian who is the mother of three grown children. Her husband encourages her, both physically and spiritually. She is a 4-year colon cancer survivor and she suffers from IBS, sphincter ODI syndrome, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue. She currently teaches a women’s bible study, and leads a chronic illness support group, to offer Christ-centered illness support. She also goes on mission trips in the summer when God allows.
In what ways has God answered your prayers even thought they felt like unanswered prayers? Have you dealt with prayers being answered in a unique way? What was the circumstance and how did God show Himself to you?
“The Hurt and the Healer” by MercyMe is an encouraging song for when you are feeling like you have unanswered prayers. Below it you will find a second video. Bart Millard of MercyMe sits down to share the story behind the song of The Hurt and the Healer. I found this inspirational and I think you will too. -Lisa
Diane – welcome to the RM writing team!
Thanks for what you have shared about your journey with getting answers from doctors and “answers” from God.
Prayers for healing, whether for ourselves or others, are always prayers pleaded in faith. Often our prayers are praise or conversation but when we ask for anything, we need to be ready for any kind of answer the Lord choses to give. And as He is trusting us to trust Him, then we need to pray and let Him respond as He chooses.
I agree with what you have shared. He is the Answer. When we come to him with questions, He is there with understanding, faithfulness, and love. These in themselves are wonderful answers and His grace helps us leave the unanswered prayers in His capable hands.
With care,
Lynn
Thanks Lynn you put it so eloquently. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be an encouragement to those who are struggling with illness and pain. God bless, Diane.
Diane…Welcome!
I love what you’ve said here…especially the part regarding God answering the most important prayer we will ever pray. What I’ve found on this journey is that many times the answer doesn’t appear in the form I’d hoped for…problems solved…pain removed…physical healing. But the answer comes in the form of His Presence. It’s as if He answers with Himself…and everything that comes with His Presence. Many times I find myself simply praying…”Lord, I’m not mad at You…I just feel really, really sad. But I know that You are good…and if that’s all You want me to know, then okay. Please let me know You’re taking my hand and leading me through…” And somehow He does.
Lynn, dear sister…beautifully said!
May His all-sufficient presence touch each of you in every way needed.
Hugs all around…BeBe<3
Thank you for this devotional! I am in a valley where I no longer see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have been passed from doctor-to-doctor. One of my illnesses is rare and very few doctors understand it completely and really don’t seem interested in finding out about it. I am sick everyday of my life and I am so over all the poking and prodding and medicine trials. I have no support at home – my husband hasn’t even bothered to find out more about my diseases. I had a TIA (mini-stroke) in March and felt I had to beg him to read the article on how to recognize stroke symptoms because I have a very high risk of stroke.
I just got my 20 yr. old nephew through detox and rehab and have moved him in with me. He has to do 90 meetings in 90 days and has no vehicle so that burden is now mine to bear. I praise God that he asked for help and is 34 days clean but I really don’t know how to deal with a drug addict as I have never been addicted to anything. My husband is a recovering alcoholic who quit drinking nearly 4 yrs. ago and although I asked him to attend AA he refused but now goes to the meetings with my nephew and has fully immersed himself in this recovery. I know everyone reading this is thinking “wow, that’s great” but all I can feel is betrayed and left out. I wasn’t important enough for my husband to support me thru my illnesses yet he immerses himself into my nephew’s illness completely and he had only met my nephew twice in 7 years.
We own our own business and it is barely staying afloat. The full responsibility is on my shoulders to keep the doors open and I have ran out of ideas and resources.
As if I wasn’t already struggling I get a call from my mom last night telling me that my dad moved out and their marriage is over. He is my stepdad and they have been married 31 years. He’s the only father I have ever had and the only grandfather my children have had as well as the great grandfather to my grandchildren. I feel my world imploding and as I cry out to God I just don’t feel like he hears me.
I am faithful to my devotions, prayers, and reading the Bible. I give to others to the point it literally hurts and I just don’t understand any of this anymore. I just can’t see the lesson or blessing in my life right now. I have cried all day and feel more alone than I ever have. I sure hope whoever put we could comment with the good and not so good stuff in our lives that they meant it… Thanks for letting me “shed my skin” and tie a knot in the end of the rope because I surely am a woman on the edge.
Michelle K: I’m so sorry you’re having such struggles. I have a lot of serious health problems of my own, and at times I wonder “how I can make it”. I have my days of doubts and fears. Yet I can hardly imagine getting through life as you describe it. I pray that God will send you his love in a way you can understand and accept. I’ve found that I have to look for him intently in everything. Otherwise, it’s easy to dwell on the negatives and hardships and not feel like there are any blessings in life. Yet the sun and rain and seasons go on; the earth continues to produce food for our nourishment (and God does supply our inner nourishment.) Most of us have food and shelter and the basic necessities of life. If we have legs to walk, or eyes to see, or lips with which to praise God (even if it must be a costly sacrifice of choosing praise even as we feel desperate) — oh, there are so many blessings.
I pray for you today. May you accept that you’re not alone, even when it feels like it. May Jesus Christ send you his peace and joy, which aren’t the same as the world defines happiness, but which are nevertheless blessings that can come amidst the storms of our lives. Jesus said “In the world, you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He has already seen your tears and heartache, and aches for/in/with you — as hard as it may be for you to understand that, right now.
Fortunately, we don’t have to understand either his plans or the circumstances of our lives. We just walk with him by choosing to place ourselves in his arms. May you be comforted and strengthened by Our Lord, who walked the way of sorrows and betrayal before you, who understands what you are feeling, and who is our Healer, Deliverer, and Mainstay.
The
Dear Michelle…how my heart hurts for you! I agree with Kingfisher in prayer for you, dear one! Life is SO hard to understand sometimes…especially if your doctor and your spouse are not validating and supporting. Your feelings of disappointment and betrayal are understandable, and as Kingfisher said, our Lord walked in those very things. From experience I know sometimes when we’re in such valleys, things like that may not seem to help much, but I hope it helps a little to know you’re being prayed for. I’m praying that God will somehow encourage your heart, and be your hope and your strength even in the midst of these many storms.
God bless you, dear one! <3
Diane, just wondering where in Florida you are – I live in Bradenton, about half way down the west coast just south of Tampa. Are you anyhwere near me?
Kingfisher and BeBe thank you both so very much for your responses. I have to understand that everything is just for a season – however long it may be. I know there are times we can’t even pray for ourself or circumstances – how wonderful it is to have others to reach out to. May God bless you both!
Hi BeBe thank you so much for your words of encouragement and welcome. Your prayer was amazing. I too find those feelings so hard to express to our Lord, but I know he understands and is not surprised at the feelings we have. As always we must trust in his will. god bless and look forward to knowing you better. Diane.
Dear Michelle K, I’m so sorry for the struggle you are going through, I can’t imaging the pain and isolation you are feeling, all I can say is hold on. Though it dosn’t seem like it, God is near. he does know your heart and sees the huge efforts you are making for your nephew, and the large amount of responsibilities you have at home with family, Business and health. I wish there was some way to give you the answers you desire, but I am but a human being, but I elieve God will. I know he is faithful, and even when it seams as though he is not paying attention to our needs, our hurts and pain He is. Our thoughts are not his neither are our ways his ways. I do know what it is to keep fighting for answers about diagnosis or treatment. I have been told ” This is a 1 in a million condition” or “I’ve never seen this before”, many times now. It doesn’t make it easier for you but know that I am praying God’s word and promises for you. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, fo the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua 1:9 God be with you. Diane
Hi Cindy, we live in Deltona Fl. It is on east coast kinda between Orlando and daytona beach. We are not on the beach, approx 1 hr. away. Wish was closer, then we could visit in person! God Bless Diane
Diane – thank you! Your prayers and words of encouragement are priceless to me!
My name is Natalie and I live in Australia in the city of Melbourne and im born again christian suffering with Chronic Lazy Bowel and im seeing my Rectospecialist in March this year in wanting to have a Romoval of my Upper Bowel so that I can easily go to the toilet as its very hard for me to go to the Loo and I have tried all prescription strongest tablets but arent working for me but I know God has this plan to have this surgery for me as I know I will feel relieved once it has my God’s approval in getting the Rectospecialist convinced that I do need this Surgery and I would like all you people to pray for a miracle as I cant put up living without going to the Looo.
Regards and blessings from Australia Natalie xoxo
Natalie – YES, yes, yes!
PRAYING, praying, praying for God’s favor that you can get this needed surgery.
What a hard condition to live with and that they have a surgery to help you is a miracle to begin with.
Do keep us posted on this link of comments so we can know how our prayers are being answered.
God bless you and we trust in HIm for you!
Lynn
Natalie, I am praying for you too dear sister in Christ & fellow Aussie.
I’m so very sorry to read of your suffering. Know that people take praying for others seriously here. Dear Lynn Severence emailed me to ask me to pray too.
You are important & God is listening. He hears your cries & pleas for help & is answering in the best possible way for you. God bless you. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Micah 7:7 “As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” (NLT)
Diane, somehow I missed commenting on this 1st devotional of yours! Maybe I commented on the other site instead. Anyhow, it’s a great devotional with much in it for us. I love this sentence: “Over time, however, when I looked at my unanswered prayers, I came to realize that God’s answer of healing and mine are different.” This sure is a hard thing to work through, but coming out the other side is full of peace, freedom, comfort & joy to know that our Abba, Father is caring for us with His best care.
Thanks Diane. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thank you Kerryn, this last week, as I comment on our writers site, went to shands again and am dealing with finalization of dealing with my illnesses as theystand right now and will be until God so choses to chnge it . It is hard to work through this all in my mind, realizing that the hopes we have had for improvement, are gone. (From man) but thank you for reminding me that my help is not from man but from my lord. Who’s love for me knows no boundry. And thank you for all your love and encouragement you give both through your devotionals and your comments and little pictures etc you post on rm writers site. I cant tell you how much joy I receive from them all. I pray that you and your son have a blessed day, and God will lift you both up and carry you beyond the pain and into his presence. love in Christ Diane
Thanks Diane. Sorry to hear you’re having it rough……sure am hearing you on that, as my body has “crashed” further too…just seen Naturopath. Not easy to accept where our bodies are at, but it sure beats fighting it!! Fighting God & the illness takes way too much energy. Accepting & moving on gives peace, comfort, relief & opens up a purpose from where I’m at…..well that’s for me anyway. I still have my “throw a paddy” days, but way less of them! LOL!
Glad the graphics lift you. I look for new graphics each day to lift me! If they lift others too, that’s a double blessing. Take care. Lotsoluv Kerryn