Think about the compassionate Lord. He's there for You. Think about His Special Plan for You, and all the Questions inside. Think about the kind Responses of God as well.

He knows you already! Let's all know Him better. We can ask Him about all kinds of stuff!

You’ve heard this before - God loves you. Yes, He does, and he has a special, unique plan for your life. In fact, he has a better plan for your life than you have for yourself. He knows you better than you know yourself (every detail about you), and your questions as well ..before you even ask!

Prayer in Jesus’ Name of course can be beautifully-simple. Profoundly simple. Yes, for born-again believers, it’s not about lofty or fancy words or even polished phrases—it’s about honest heart connection. From your heart to God's heart. Jesus Himself said, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). 

So we never need to impress Him or people around us—just come to Him honestly.

Sometimes God responds. Sometimes, He answers immediately. Other times, He lovingly waits until the timing is best, wanting to develop trust in us. But every simple prayer of a believer like—“Jesus, help me. I want to get it in this area,” “Thank You, Lord. I love you” or “I trust You, want to trust you more.. but I have some trust issues with people who can be very fickle as you know”—reaches His heart.

Even short, whispered prayers carry weight in heaven with God. Heaven doesn't answer, He does. It’s not about how long or brainy we pray. It’s about who we are in Christ and who we’re praying to. It's about the purpose with that. 

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” ~ Oswald Chambers

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

Have you talked with God alone and had some questions for Him? Is talking with Him a daily thing for you? Have you asked Him directly, and then He spoke to you.. like when you were reading your Bible? Have you asked Him personal questions, and now you are still waiting for Him to answer you? Some people are in that "waiting room" and hating that place. I've been there before, and I'm not so good at waiting.

Hey, God delights to answer prayer, and He answers a whole lot of His kid's questions while they are here. Yes, before they enter the afterlife in Heaven.

Have you blown it in life and now need some answers and cleansing? Do you need Him to pick up all the broken pieces of your life?

He's so good at lifting the broken, crushed and fallen people! He understands you!

You might see a failure in the mirror cuz you've failed (like we all have ), but God sees your potential. "But I'm really messed up and broken, Kurt." Listen, He sees who you could become after being forgiven. Come to Him as you are.. yes, just as you are yet willing to be changed by Him. Not changed into religious or even worse than you've been before, cuz He not religious and never does that.

I'm not interested in religion cuz no religion ever saved anyone, and He's never been religious. Come.. come today!

The Bible says, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

It happens in a flash, becoming a Christian! It doesn't take a month, a day, or even an hour to get right with God. It can happen inside you before you even finish reading this article by a flawed surfer.

Do All Our Questions And Prayers Get Answered?

Do all Our Questions Get Answered ..While Here?

How Can We Understand God’s Responses?

A Sunday school teacher once gave the kids in her class an assignment to write down any questions they had for their Heavenly Father.

Here are some of the questions, comments, and suggestions that the kids came up with for their teacher:

Dear Heavenly Father God, did You mean for that giraffe in the zoo to look like that, or was it an accident?

Dear Heavenly Father, I like "the Lord’s Prayer" best of all. Did You have to write it down a lot of times, or did You get it right the first time? I have to write everything over and over again.

Dear God, thank You for my li'l baby brother that You gave to us, but how come.. cuz what I prayed for was a puppy.

Dear Heavenly Father, how come You haven’t invented any new animals lately? We still have just the old ones.

Dear God in Heaven, I bet it is very hard for You to love everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in my family, and I just can’t do it.

Dear God, what name do you prefer that we use when talking with you.. like Lord, Jehovah, Almighty God or something else? Does it matter that much?

Dear Heavenly Father God, in school we read that Thomas Edison made light, but in Sunday school, they said that You made it. I bet he stole Your idea. 

Are you new at talking about this God-stuff, and now you have your own questions, or comments, or suggestions for your heavenly Father?

Lots of people who have been Christians for most of your lives still have questions for God. I know I do! Your personal questions may be tough ones, but He's smart! It may seem impolite for you to ask God and you want to remain respectful. Ask Him in your own words anyways--He can handle your bluntness. Do you feel that your questions may suggest a lack of faith on your part? Why? Didn't believers filled with faith way back in the day have questions for God? Yup!

No matter how you feel, ask anyway. Open, honest, sincere communication with listening is good for any human relationship.

The psalmists back in the day asked God questions, and that's what we love about the psalms in the Old Testament. Pause and check out all of Psalm 10:1.

"Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (v.1).. Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted.
Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, 'You will not call to account'” (vv.12, 13)?

I enjoy pointed questions from the heart, and God too -- He loves heartfelt cries to Him. God really loves you. He's not mad at you believer, He's mad about you! Ask of Him!

He often responds to our heartfelt humble cries—not with anger, disgust, frustration or punishment for questioning Him, but with tender compassion, gentleness and full understanding. He can give each of us His wisdom and peace when we inquire of Him. He can easily open our eyes to spiritual truths that we can’t see on our own. Ask. He will gladly illuminate His word and give discernment with insight to each of His beloved kids!

Can you think of a Bible character who was closer to God than David was? Remember this psalmist and shepherd who ran toward the battle and killed that giant Goliath?

David was later promoted to king of Israel by God (See 1 Samuel 13:14. He was anointed three times and each time it was in connection to a promotion with a purpose). David did some serious praying and obeying, and then came the blessings, but not without some human opposition. Life from religious Saul who went mad in the brain. The Bible describes David as “a man after God’s own heart.” That's true, and yet look at all he wrote.

Go see what David asked of God in Psalm 13:1–2: “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (nlt).

He had his questions, so he poured out his soul honestly to God. It was because he knew God would recieve his questions for exactly what they were: genuine attempts to understand God and His will. David sought the Lord and wanted to get closer to Him.

Perhaps you remember the practical advice of the apostle James? “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5–6 nlt).

Listen, all sincere prayers prayed by Christians actually get answered by our loving Heavenly Father..

..But God doesn't always respond or answer us exactly the way we expect Him to.

Read through the Bible and you will see that God answers prayer in three distinct ways: yes, no, and wait. You already know this!

1.) When we honestly pour out our hearts to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus (His sinless Son) and He responds with a “no,” it’s so easy to feel like our prayer has been completely ignored. But in reality, a “no” is a direct and definitive response. It's an valid answer. God, in His wisdom, may see a bigger picture with others involved that we don’t see, or He may have a better plan in store for us. When God says no, that's not necessarily a bad thing at all. He is wiser.  That response of "no" might seem cold-hearted at first, but it can be a redirection for you, indicating a better plan or better timing for what was initially requested 

2.) When God’s answer is “wait” don't alow yourself to get discoraged. Stay in the word! This can be challenging, as we often desire immediate resolution. However, God operates according to His perfect timing. He uses seasons of waiting to develop our patience, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for what He ultimately intends. 

3.) When God's answer to you is "yes" ..rejoice! In fact, rejoice in the Lord always. Give thanks and praise in all circumstances cuz He has a good plan. There are the times when God answers with a resounding “yes!” These are the moments we often focus on, but understanding the other ways God communicates is crucial for a mature prayer life.

The Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:4-6

Isn't God All Powerful -- Why Can't More Prayers Get Answered With A “Yes”?

If God really loves us all equally, then why don’t we experience more affirmative responses to our prayers? And why doesn't He always answer our questions right on the spot? I don't know all the reasons cuz I'm still a learner too.

One key reason could be in the prerequisite of a relationship with God after being born again. Have you repented of sin and believed in Jesus yet?

You know that not all kids or people have chosen yet to become God's children. Some sadly never will.

Though God calls us to Himself for a good purpose, not all will come to Him. Not all have heard the gospel yet? Not all humans are currently His children. Some have chosen to run the other way, after the worldly way. The promise of answered prayer is not at all a universal guarantee for everyone here on earth. Nope.

Today, during this age of grace, anyone and their brother can call upon the Lord.

Anyone, during a moment of emergency or great need, can think of God and put out a form prayer learned. I never discourage that. When I was young, Jesus was my God of choice during emergencies, but I didn't really decide to get saved until my teen years, when I was at Dana Hills High School in Dana Point. It was in 1977 that I was born again spiritually -- wasn't born at all right the first time, cuz for the longest time I loved sinning!

You must be born again cuz Jesus (with your best interests at heart) said you must.

Remember when Jesus answered Nick at night with, "'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’" John 3:3-7 esv

A consistent prayer life, characterized by fellowship and communion with God, is a privilege solely reserved for God's real children. You've got to be born into His family.

Think about the analogy of a normal family: you can ask your opposite-sex spouse or child for a favor with a reasonable expectation of a response, that's based on your cultivated, nurtured, and well-established relationship. Sure, you can. That same principle applies to our connection with our heavenly Father.

Does Liney, or my sons, or my grandkids ever ask me questions? Yes, and I readily answer them as best I can. Sometimes I don't know yet, but I will try to find the answer if it'll help them.

Does our heavenly Father prioritize the prayers of those who are in a right relationship with Him? Yes, absolutely! So cultivate this connection in Christ -- your calls and questions will be heard and He will answer you.

Is There Ever A Hindrance of Unconfessed Sin In A Person's Life?

Yes, and that will impede your prayer life. Sin is a barrier to answered prayer. Unconfessed sin in our lives keeps us from growing up spiritually. Gettting real with God (talkin' about candor and honesty) is so easy if you let go of the pride, the world, the fleshly lust, the lies of Satan, the greed, and those embarrassing feelings inside. The Bible says:

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:2 nkjv)

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” (Psalm 66:18 nkjv)

What's that word “regard” mean in this context? It means clinging to, clutching onto, or holding onto personal sin.

All Christians stumble and sin even though we try never to do that. What's the dif between occasional stumbling or falling and that pattern of willful, habitual sin that's without any remorse or a desire to change inside. A lot. The devil points his finger of accusation, "Look at you, and you call yourself a Christian, but you are such a faker! You're not saved!" Makes you feel like a dirty dog (cuz he's a deciever, and the accuser of the brethren), but the Holy Spirit will graciously convict us when we blow it, and the result is SO sweet when we confess and repent of our sin.

If you are a genuine believer, you will be contrite inside. You'll experience inner conviction and real sorrow with mourning over the sin, but someone living in unrepentant sin will typically demonstrate a lack of true relationship with God. Some are sorry they got caught (ie, King Saul), but not sorry they hurt the heart of God.

The Bible says, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God." 1 John 3:8-9 esv

Therefore, addressing and confessing our sins is vital for maintaining an open-friendship-channel of communication with God.

Is there a Negative Impact from People's Selfish Motives?

Even when praying for seemingly “right” things, selfish motives or selfish ambition can enter in to hinder our prayers.

For instance, desiring to be used by God or positively influential for the Kingdom are noble aspirations for any believer. However, if the underlying motivation of the heart is to gain fame or recognition, or praise, or gobs of social media followers, then prayer’s effectiveness is compromised.

True leadership and service come with significant responsibility, and our hearts should remain focused on Jesus and glorifying Him. We live for God and His glory rather than for our own. Examining our inner intentions behind our prayers is SO crucial.

Can There be a Real Obstacle of Unforgiveness?

Yes, so choose to forgive people regardless of what you feel.. those who have deeply hurt you. Your feelings will eventually line up with your decision you prayed over. You don't have be best friends or keep doing business with those untrustworthy foks -- that would be stupid.

Trust is earned slowly and can be lost quickly.. or sometime it can be re-earned slowly too.

Unforgiveness in the heart so to speak is like posen for the one holding on to it. It is another powerful impediment to our prayer life too. A forgiven people need to be forgiving as well. Jesus Himself instructed:

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25 niv)

Harboring it inside is ugly.. tenderly nurturing and gingerly nursing bitterness and resentment towards others creates a barrier between us and God. It's a blockade. Do you forgive those on the other side of the isle.. even when so many of them are crooks? So what about the crooks on your own side of the isle..and there are some there as well?

But for the grace of God go I. I am depraved as well and am capable of doing those evils.

Forgiveness for Christians doesn't mean ignoring any harmful actions or rightful accountability! Biblical teachings also emphasize true justice and addressing the wrongdoing. However, the approach should be rooted in real love and seeking to win those sinners, or for some restoration of those once walking with Christ.

Holding onto..clinging to bitterness and resentment will negatively impact mental and emotional well-being. And that's according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Forgiveness can bring peace and facilitate healing, says Johns Hopkins Medicine.

While the offense committed against us may be very significant, there are police personnel (remember your church elders are not the police), and forgiveness is as much for our own well-being as it is for the other person. I don't go say, Hey, I forgive you when they don't ask or think they did anything wrong. Some people are very dim upstairs. It's so true -- unforgiveness is like drinking potent poison and then waiting and waiting, expecting the other person to die like a rat. It wounds our spirit and obstructs our connection with God.

But what About the Power of Persistent Prayer?

Our posture in prayer daily should be one of consistent engagement with God, regardless of our circumstances. We can opt to live harmoniously with Jesus as Lord. Are you suffering today? Then earnestly pray. Are things going well for you? Are you blessed right now? Rejoice in Jesus with friends and praise God. Do you need healing from the Lord today? Then pray, pray, pray--pray through until you know you've prayed through. Keep on praying and don’t stop praying. A breakthrough will be there for you.

We are engaged in a spiritual battle while here, where daily we are either advancing God's Kingdom, personally advancing spiritually, or retreating. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” before even considering the good armor of God to put on by faith. Our strength in this battle stems from our relationship and fellowship with Him who is strong!

When sin or unforgiveness inside creates that distance, our vulnerability increases. Why want that? Therefore, our priority should be to stand firm in our connection with our loving Lord. Stay tight with Him through it all.

While God answers every prayer we pray..in His own time and special way, the quality and effectiveness of our prayers are deeply influenced by our close walk and relationship with Him.

The presence of unconfessed sin, the purity or impurity of our motives, and our willingness to forgive Him and others (He's done no one any wrong) all are factored in. Let us cultivate the good aspects of our lives in Jesus so that our prayers may be heard and answered according to His perfect will!

Ever done a li'l study on God's responses to people before?

Here are a few of my own questions: 

- How many different types of responses of God have there been before.. I mean regarding the questions asked by people recorded in the Bible?

- What were God's responses like to those questions recorded in the Bible.. that were asked by believers? And...

- What were God's specific responses to the questions in the Bible.. that were asked by unbelievers?

Type of Speaker	God’s Response	Examples	Promises/Practice
Believers	Clear answers (yeah, sometimes)	Moses, Elijah, Jonah	Listen, obey, expect divine guidance
Believers	Delayed responses	Abraham, Joseph	Wait in faith, grow in trust
Believers	Silence	Job, David	Trust mystery, rest in God’s character
Unbelievers	Miraculous signs & actions	Pharaoh (plagues), Nineveh, Jesus to skeptics	Grace can break unbelief through HS illumination

Yeah, what About those Questions from Unbelievers?

When unbelievers get in a bad situation, they sometimes cry or ask.. or request help—and some of them ask mockingly or angrily—God might graciously respond with a physical rescue. They tell me about how he responded to pull them out of that sinking or crashing car. Ever been in a near miss from a car crash when you were a lost-person? Who is your God of choice in emergencies?  

I don't like asking for signs personally, cuz too many religious folk do that, the Cross and empty tomb are the old signs I really like! God could respond with powerful signs, real miracles, signs and wonders (He's done those a lot over history), or with clear illumination from what His prophets have said, or He could respond through the words of Christ or others' words in the Bible when a believer is asking Him questions. Consider:

• Moses before Pharaoh: God responds by sending plagues, signs, and judgment. God won, though Pharaoh wanted to win.

• Prophets to wayward Israel: warnings, visions, promises of redemption. God wins again. Let's let him win. 

• Jesus, standing before the skeptics and wicked opponents.. did good miraculous works and clear truth-teaching reveal His divine authority. God always wins, and we don't live for signs and wonders. 

I can't find any biblical records of God remaining totally silent when unbelievers challenge Him openly, and He almost always reveals Himself to his kids when they earnestly seek him.. and sometimes dramatically.

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.. the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Without faith, our prayers ring hollow—God doesn’t answer unbelief's demands with signs or wonders indefinitely. He is a rewarder of those who know He's there and diligently seek him (see Heb. 11:6 and the whole context). 

Reflect on His Word. Can You Give Some Wise Applications?

• Season of Silence ≠ Absence: Job and David felt abandoned by God at times, yet finally recognized God’s close presence. We, too, must learn to listen even when God seems far away and quiet.

• God's Testing of Us grows faith: Need an Barna-style insight: times of delay can refine our character and deepen our devotion to Him if we draw near. Not so much if we go away when hurting. The waiting posture is part of God’s cultivation of trust in us--let that happen. When you hurt run to God, run to a healthy local Bible teaching church and to the pastors, not away from them. 

• God speaks through His Word: In modern seasons, answers often come through Scripture, not always through wind or fire. The Word (Jesus) is living -- “He speaks nowadays through His Word (the Bible).” 

Waiting Today While Needing Some Encouragement? You aren't alone. 

Please Remember to Hear Rich Mullins, who Sang “Hard to Get”?

“Do you remember when you lived down here where we all scrape to find the faith to ask for daily bread?”

And then go hear Andrew Peterson in “The Silence of God”:

“And the heavens’ only answer is the silence of God.”

Yet the hunger created in us by silence can drive us back to the Wellspring of unshakable promises (to God Himself), Matthew 5:6, Luke 11:9)

How Many Questions Does God Respond to in Scripture?

• Believers’ Questions ..Answered
  In the Bible, when believers ask God, He sometimes answers them directly, often waits for the right season, and at times remains silent for quite a while. He has his reasons. 

  1. Direct Answers (a brief list—not at all exhaustive. Illustrative for ya)

  • Moses and the burning bush: God calls Moses and gives answers (Exodus 3–4).

  • Elijah on Mt. Carmel: God responds by fire consuming the altar (1 Kings 18). Real fire, real altar, real ashes. 

  • Jonah: When Nineveh repents, God relents and spares the city -- he is merciful and loving. Far more than Kurt is (See Jonah 3–4).
    Each of these demonstrates a clear divine and loving response.

  2. God Waits—Delayed His Responses

  • Abraham: waited 25 years (from age 75 to 100) before Isaac was born—man, that was a long silence between the promise given and His fulfillment. See that in the studies from B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary.

  • Joseph: long years in Potiphar’s house and then in prison before God’s plan unfolded (see the Genesis narrative).

  3. God Remains Silent

• Job: cries out repeatedly. God does not explain all his suffering on earth; instead God asks him some questions about creation (Job 38–41).

• King David: laments “why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22), “cry by day.. no rest by night” (Psalm 22:1–2).

• Practical Steps—Wisely Apply the Truth. Don't Do That Unwisely. Ask for God's Wisdom First. 

  1. Ask boldly of Him and reverently for sure (James 1:5) and expect wisdom in return.

  2. Wait patiently and faithfully when God delays, cuz He has your best interests at heart (Psalm 27:14).

  3. Trust even when God stays silent—God is not absent for far away; He is shaping faith inside.

  4. Listen to Him when you are in His Scriptures—His Word is living and active, powerful, life-changing and even illuminates His voice to our inner human spirit.

  5. Respond in obedience, even when you don’t feel a thing or understand the whole, bigger picture.

  The Bible says, "A wise king separates out the wicked and drives the threshing wheel over them. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being." Prov. 20:26

  ---

  *Okay, So What Are Your Thoughts On This?

  God’s answers to believers appear in three ways: direct responses, patient delays, or respectful silence. For unbelievers (like to hard-hearted Pharaoh), answers often come via Biblical revelation, signs, or judgment. The Bible is our revelation from God, we believers need no "new revelation" as the false teachers say we need. None of these is arbitrary—each response from God reveals a deeper truth about our Holy Creator.

  He is holy and you can live holy in Christ. He has joy for you as well! May this encourage you to seek the Lord wisely acceptably, biblically.. waiting with hope, and trust in Him. Yes, in the whispers from His Spirit. Let your faith rise up in you—not in the tempory absence of answers, but in the unchanging kind nature of the One who holds all the answers.

  The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

  
  

  ---

  *The Many Ways God Speaks—or Stays Silent

  1. Direct Answers to Believers

  When faithful hearts ask, God often responds openly:

  • Moses at the burning bush: God speaks clearly, commissions his deliverance (Exodus 3–4).

  • Elijah on Mount Carmel: Fire from heaven answers prayer (1 Kings 18).

  • Jonah and Nineveh: God hears repentance and relents (Jonah 3–4).

  2. Divine Delay—Faith Refined in Waiting

  Sometimes God waits—deliberately and lovingly:

  • Abraham (Genesis 12–21): waited 25 years for Isaac.

  • Joseph: unredeemed in prison until Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 37–41).

  • Modern reflections:

    “God waited four thousand years, until the fullness of time, before He sent His Son…” —Andrew Murray  

    “We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us.” —Charles Spurgeon 

  3. Silence—God Speaks Through the Whisper

  Some of our questions meet silence, yet reveal depths:

  • Job repeatedly asks, and God responds with questions about creation, not explanations (Job 38–41).

  • David, in Psalm 22, cries “Why have you forsaken me?” yet learns to trust God's unseen faithfulness.

  • Elijah in the cave: not in wind, earthquake, or fire—but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11–13).

  ---

  *What About Unbelievers’ Questions?

  When skeptics question God, He often answers with powerful signs, revelation, or judgment:

  • Pharaoh’s heart hardens (he did that and God made it more firm), plagues come (Exodus).

  • Prophets speak visions to a rebellious nation.

  • Jesus reveals Himself and pure truth to skeptics through healing, resurrection, and convicting with truth statements.

  In these cases, God typically does not remain silent—He acts and speaks decisively to reveal His nature.

  Here's a beloved tapestry poem for ya:

  “My life is but a weaving / Between my God and me… Not ’til the loom is silent / And the shuttles cease to fly / Will God unroll the canvas / And reveal the reason why.” 

  I love how that beautifully captures God's delays: the sacred weaving in of destiny that we cannot yet see.

  *In Our Waiting Times Before The Lord:

  • “Be Still for the Presence of the Lord” reminds us:
    “Be still … for the Lord is present among us”—a poetic call to rest in silent trust.

  • William Cowper’s “God Moves in a Mysterious Way” declares:
    “God moves in a mysterious way / His wonders to perform.” Even when we don’t see answers, His higher wisdom is at work.

  What Resonates With Me?:

  • John Piper:
    “Waiting is a holy work of faith. God may delay years—but He does not delay in love.” 

  • Oswald Chambers:
    “God’s ‘nothings’ are His most positive answers. We must learn to wait.” 

  • Elisabeth Elliot:
    “Waiting on God requires bearing uncertainty, carrying unanswered questions while lifting your heart to Him.” 

  ---

  *Types of Divine Response Get Summarized:

  Who Asks	God’s Response	Biblical Examples	What to Learn
  Believers	Direct Answer	Moses, Elijah, Jonah	Seek boldly; expect guidance
  Believers	Delay / Silent Waiting	Abraham, Joseph	Trust deeply; grow in patience
  Believers	Divine Silence, then Presence	Job, Job’s trust renewed; David's Psalms; Elijah’s whisper	Rest in mystery and character-shaping silence
  Unbelievers	Signs, Revelation, Judgment	Pharaoh, Nineveh, Jesus' miracles to skeptics	God reveals truth, convicts, offers revelation

  ---

  *A Fresh Call to Trust the Person of Christ for Obedience-sake

  Know and follow Jesus well. He blesses your obedience. Reflect and pray for a moment:

  • What question have you posed to God recently?

  • Whether He answered swiftly or with delay—or even silence—is He shaping your faith today? You know He ain't done with you!

  • Are you leaning into relationship with Christ and Scripture, memorizing truth, praying like you mean it cuz you really do, and worshiping as His written voice (Bible insights) unfold in your heart and mind?

  In seasons of waiting, remember Jesus loves you and has a good plan:

  • “He is working in the dark so you may shine in the light.”

  • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

  May your heart and mind keep learning truth from the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth, yes from Scripture too. Yes, be learning the deep holy art of waiting on the Lord with hope from the Bible and joy from the Holy Spirit. While we wait, don't be passive. Yes, let's ever be seeking Him, listening with faith to God's word, and trusting God’s promises as well as His perfect timing regarding every unanswered question of ours. He responds with.. yes, no or wait and He always has good reasons for every response He gives us.