Have you asked God for something and it still remained unanswered until now?  Why does God delay? Or does He?

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray..., your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me...” (Daniel 10:12–13 NLT)

There are several reasons why the answers to your prayers are still up in the air.  Blaming God might not be the best solution.  James teaches us how to pray. He said "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt," James 1:6

LESSON #1 BE EXPECTANT

Many times we ask God in urgency, like Aladin calling on Genie to respond to our requests.  Things we normally ask God for in urgency:
1. Healing
2. Provision
3. Promotion
4. Breakthroughs

But the real lesson in prayer is this: that we keep coming back to God reguarly in eager expectation.  He loves our fellowship (though many times we are so selfish).  Could it be that God allowed those delays as instruments to mold our character?  God is in the business of transforming our character and perspective. 

He wants you and me to be grateful, be patience and be expectant (even in the midst of seeming delays).

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  Mark 11:24


LESSON # 2 BE PERSISTENT AND PATIENT

Here's how to wait:

1. Relaks!  Remember your God is in control.  He created the world in 6 days.
2. Get your eyes off "the door", of your watch and of people.  The time will come and the gates will open and the delivery will come.  Set your eyes on God's faithfulness.  Read stories in the bible that can build your faith and give you understand so you can be patience.  (Prov 19:11)
3. Do something productive while waiting. 

Remember this saying: "God’s delays are not necessarily His denials."

Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. 

The goal is not the answered prayer, the goal is our constant coming to the throne of God.

LESSON # 3  BE GRATEFUL

After receiving your requests, come back to the Lord and thank Him.  Remember the story of the 10 lepers (In luke 17)?  Only one came back and was grateful.  Let's be that kind of person who came back and is thankful to God.

The next time you experience a delay, enjoy the process and enjoy your maker.  Keep coming back.  He loves your fellowship.