“You fathers – if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So, if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”Luke 11:11-13, NLT
God answers every one of your prayers. But there are times he doesn’t always answer in the way you want.
When the request is not right, God says, “No.” Just like parents say “no” to their kids for a hundred good reasons, God doesn’t owe you an explanation every time He says “no” to your request.
When the timing is not right, God says, “Slow.” There’s a big difference between a delay and a denial. “No” and “not yet” are not the same thing, and learning and accepting the difference shows spiritual maturity.
When you’re not right, God says, “Grow.” He wants to do something in your life before he answers your prayer. It may be you’re not yet ready to handle the answer.
When the request is right, the timing is right, and you’re right, then God says, “Go.” God often gives us the green light to our prayers – and it’s a reason to celebrate!
God is never going to give you anything that is hurtful or bad for you. After all, if imperfect parents know how to give good gifts to their kids, won’t God, who is good and perfect, do even more for you? He is ready to answer your prayer – in His perfect time and way.