God Didn't Answer My Prayers - Life as Mrs. Wilson

16 January, 2016

God Didn't Answer My Prayers



Heavenly Father heard “their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage” (Mosiah 21:15; emphasis added).
In recent moments of desperate prayer to be relieved of my burdens and feel light again, I came across a tough realization. The Lord did not see fit to deliver ME out of bondage.
I was frustrated because I was pouring my heart out to the Lord and praying with all that I had, just begging my Father above to take away my pain. And guess what? He didn't.

The Lord didn't take away my trial. In fact, I got hit with more trials and more intense pain every single day following that initial prayer for help. 

Why would He let me suffer? Isn't He supposed to lighten my load? Isn't He supposed to comfort me and get me through the hard moments? I asked and cried and yelled..Why would you let me go through this Father? Why can't you just help me? Why can't you just ease my pain for a second so I can breathe? I felt like I was drowning and nothing I was doing was helping. And guess what? I still feel that way.
However, I have never felt as hopeful as I do now. You see, you can feel the crushing weight of the world while still remaining hopeful. It's an interesting feeling really, to feel so entirely ensnared in sadness while feeling so incredibly filled with hope. But it is possible to remain hopeful even in the darkest moments of despair, and just because your burdens are not being lifted now, does not mean they will last forever. It is so vital to know that prayers are always answered. However, the answer to our prayers is not always a big resounding 'yes'.
God didn't answer my prayers..at least not in the way that I wanted Him to. President John Taylor (1808–87) has said that afflictions shouldn’t overwhelm us, but that we should rejoice in our challenges, for we need these experiences for our eternal well-being with God. THIS is why I am hopeful even through moments of despair. Through diligent prayer I know that the trials I currently face will not actually be lifted from me. However, it is up to ME to rejoice in my challenges. Why?? Because I NEED these experiences and I need them more than I can probably even comprehend right now.
God didn't answer my prayers by making my trials disappear. He answered my prayers by giving me a greater understanding of my trials, thus giving me the strength and patience needed to overcome them.
God doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we desire, but God will always answer our prayers in the way that is most needed for our growth. God knows me, Christ strengthens me, and the Holy Spirit enlightens me. And because of them, I know that I am strong enough to overcome all things no matter the magnitude.
God didn't answer my prayers to rid me of pain, He answers my prayers to guide me through pain.
The plan of happiness is an eternal plan that requires an eternal perspective. So next time God doesn't answer your prayers, remember: He has something greater in store for you.
"Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." (Doctrine & Covenants 121:7-8)

1 comment:

  1. As I look at myself now, I recognize that every good quality that I have came from over coming trials and pains! Very well written!

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