11 of 12

Write now Article Tools

It's easy to say, "God works in mysterious ways." But when we don't see measurable results in response to our soul-searching and/or compassionate prayers, we often forget this mantra and think at some level that it is "Out of God's Hands" or that we're not praying enough. What we need to remember is that when we pray it is "out of our hands."

It may sound obvious that a life dedicated to God and prayer does not mean a life without pain or sorrow. However, do we really believe this when we pray for a sick relative to be healed or an obstacle to be overcome, and our prayers are not answered? We may say to God, "My life is so that I may serve you." But how often do we attach, in a hopeful whisper of so many words, "Now please just make it a pleasant one"? Even though we may not intentionally place these conditions on our relationship with God, we still may find ourselves, in the midst of our trials, asking the question, "Why didn't he answer my prayers?" I recently found myself asking this very question, and as a result, I've learned so much about God and how he works-often in unforeseen ways.

I truly believe that everything happens for a higher purpose, always with a lesson to be learned. Even though this person's life may not be coming together like you're praying that it will, no matter how hard it is to witness, maybe the struggle that they're going through is there to help someone else, or many others, to be more selfless and giving. Or maybe that person and/or this event has come into your life, not for the reason you hoped and prayed they or it would, but rather for something all together greater than you could ever have hoped for. It may be unfathomable to us why God would want us to suffer and experience tragedy. However we must remember that he has the bigger picture here, bigger than we could ever imagine-it's like his 48" Flatscreen HDTV compared to our 10" black and white portable-we're not privy to all the dimensions and detail. The bottom line is, if we are to live a life serving God, then we must relinquish control and let God be God, whatever that entails.

What I have learned is to be patient with my prayers and realize that "God does work in mysterious ways."-I can't always expect direct results to my prayers but I can expect great things, no matter if they're unforeseen to me, to happen when I have faith in his wisdom.

Learn more about this author, Renee Sande.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The misconception of prayer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!