When God Doesn’t Answer the Way You Want

When God Doesn’t Answer the Way You Want

Scripture:

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” — Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

Devotional

What do you do when God’s answer is delayed, different, or even a heartbreaking “no”? It’s easy to trust when things go our way, but faith is tested in silence, waiting, and loss.

Mary and Martha begged Jesus to come when Lazarus was sick, but He delayed. Their brother died. What seemed like neglect was actually preparation for resurrection (John 11). God’s timing always serves a greater purpose, even when we don’t see it.

But what about when healing doesn’t come? When loss is final? For believers, death is not the end, it’s the doorway to eternity. God’s answers may not always match our desires, but they always align with His perfect plan. The most important thing is to keep the faith - no matter what. Faith isn’t about getting the answer we want; it’s about choosing to trust that God is still good, still sovereign, and still working all things together for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

What to Do When God’s Answer Is Different

1. Trust His Timing – His delays are not His denials. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart.” — Psalm 27:14

2. Shift Your Focus – Instead of asking, “Why?” ask, “What is God teaching me?” “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

3. Remember His Faithfulness – Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” — John 11:25 Even when we don’t understand, we can trust His promises.

4. Surrender to His Will – Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” — Luke 22:42. His plan always leads to good.

5. Keep the Faith – No matter what happens, choose to hold onto your faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Bottom Line: You Have a Choice

When God doesn’t answer the way you expect, you can choose frustration, doubt, and fear...or you can choose faith, trust, and surrender. Faith is a choice. Will you choose to trust Him even when you don’t understand?

Prayer

Father, when Your answers don’t come the way I expect, I choose to trust You. Strengthen my faith in the waiting, the loss, and the unknown. Help me hold on to Your promises and walk by faith, not by sight. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Reflection:

When God’s answer is different from what you expected, what choice will you make? Will you choose frustration or faith?