We have all been through seasons of frustration when Jesus did not intervene on our behalf, change our circumstances, or prohibit something from happening as we asked. We may have even become angry with Him, questioning why He allowed something we never expected. These situations can rattle our faith and undermine our trust in God if we let them.
Often, the culprit behind our “unanswered prayers” is faulty assumptions and unrealistic expectations of Jesus. We create a set of beliefs for ourselves based upon what we think Jesus should do, how and when He should act, and why He should fulfill what we request. But when He moves according to His will, purpose, and timing rather than ours, we experience anger, doubt, frustration, and discouragement. Satan takes advantage of those emotions and uses them to tempt us into questioning God’s love for us, producing a dangerous, downward spiral for our faith.
For these reasons, it is important to always stand on the truth of God’s Word, remembering Jesus is perfect, and everything He does is right. He is never obligated to function according to our mindset or criteria but always does what pleases His Father (John 8:29). Additionally, God’s thoughts and ways of doing things are unlike ours. He said in Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
It is also imperative to always trust Jesus as the God He is and not a "god" we invent through faulty assumptions or unrealistic expectations. Therefore, when we bring our requests before Him and humbly ask for His will to be accomplished instead of ours, we will experience a peace that surpasses all understanding regardless of the outcome (Philippians 4:6; 1 John 5:14-15). We will also have assurance knowing He is working everything together for good in our lives as He fulfills His ultimate purpose for us (Romans 8:28).
If you are struggling today because Jesus did not do what you asked of Him, I encourage you to trust His sovereignty. He is accomplishing something of far greater value than what you may think or assume.
