Lisa Santelli, GFC Lutz

Have you ever prayed very specifically for something? You outlined the strategy. Provided the roadmap. And, gave God every detail on how you wanted it answered. You even felt quite accomplished in your prayers because you were so specific and consistent to recite them daily. Then, one day, something happens, and you feel like this fervent prayer that you’ve been pouring your heart into has been totally derailed. You can’t understand why God will allow it. You were faithful, right? You stayed persistent. You had been asking God to clean your heart and clear out the clutter so you were praying with the right intentions. But, why does it feel like He didn’t hear you?

There is something I have been praying over for a long time. I had set expectations on how it would be answered. I had a vision of the destination, and my prayers covered the comfortable and convenient details on how to get there. Ultimately, I knew it would require a major breakthrough, but it was the ‘through’ I was focused on, not the ‘breaking’.  So, recently, when I received some news that entirely derailed me in this specific area, I started to question all the prayers I had set forth. Why wasn’t God answering them? Was He listening? Did He even care?

It was in the breaking that my plan was disrupted, but God’s plan was being set up. My plan was coated with ease and comfort. But God’s plan is made to stretch and grow.

Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” And, in verse 9 it goes on to say, “so are my ways higher than your ways…”

Even if you are the most detailed, well-thought-out planner, there are so many pieces we could not ever consider that would compare to God. His ways are so much higher. He is looking at the situation from all sides, through a perfect lens, and He is going before us to set the path. So, when heartbreak, disappointment, or a distraction show up, don’t assume your prayers have been dismissed. More than likely, it’s your plan that has been unanswered, but the prayer is still in motion. And God is working it all to His glory (Rom 8:28), not to our own plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  God’s plans are filled with hope. His plans are designed to prosper you and protect you from harm. God has the very best planned for you, so when we are praying, be reminded that God is in the business of answering prayers…they just may not go according to our own plan.

Lord, encourage our hearts when it feels like our prayers are not being answered. Remind us of the faithful, good God You are and that You have the very best plans for us. Comfort us during those times of disappointment and renew our hope that You are still moving and working to use everything for Your glory. We know Your ways are higher, so guide our hearts to stay in alignment with Your plans for our lives. We ask all in the name of Jesus, Amen.