“Do you ever wonder why God didn’t answer your prayers?”
It’s the time of year when we’re telling people about the FREEDOM TOUR. Often folks will ask how it got started, which leads to telling some version of the story of my injury. Stories connect us in powerful ways. That particular story often winds its way to Why did God allow…? and Why doesn’t He answer prayers for …?
That’s why stories are so remarkable. The questions are about my circumstances, except, they’re really not.
It’s a great question, one I’ve heard a thousand times. Why DIDN’T, or why DOESN’T, God answer my prayers for healing?
My answer: I believe He absolutely has, and does, answer them. And since I’m still sitting full time, you might want an explanation.
I lean on the story in Mark 2 where four friends bring a paralyzed man to Jesus. They go so far as to cut a hole in their neighbor’s roof to get Jesus’ attention. He’s so moved He says, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
The man, and his friends, had to be a bit irritated. They didn’t go to all this trouble just to get forgiveness. They expected a REAL miracle. They wanted their friend to walk.
Jesus didn’t offer what the man wanted. Instead, He gave him, freely, what He needed.
Sometimes I chuckle at myself, because I expect a REAL miracle, too. A miracle like, say, the Son of God surrendering His life so I can live in freedom and eternal community with God.
I absolutely believe God hears my prayers for healing, and I absolutely believe He’s answered them. He answered by providing what I need rather than what I want.
I still ask God to heal my injury, I still believe He can, I still wish He would, and I still wonder WHY? occasionally. But whenever I start thinking I know how it should happen, I realize I’m trying to be God.
Do I really believe what I believe?
He’s God. I’m not.
I trust Him. I believe He loves me. I believe He works for good in all circumstances, even when I can’t see it.
In the end, that’s enough.