Sometimes, when we pray for an answer, it may not come immediately, as God's response is according to His will and timing. Many faithful individuals in Scripture, such as David, Elisha, Stephen, and Paul, had to endure waiting for God's intervention, often through severe trials and afflictions. David prayed for healing and rejoiced when God eventually restored him, though he waited through much suffering. Elisha, despite receiving quick answers in other instances, was not healed of his terminal illness and awaits deliverance at the resurrection. Stephen, though a man of great faith, received no divine intervention to prevent his martyrdom, enduring a painful death with the assurance of resurrection. Paul, too, prayed for relief from his thorn in the flesh, yet God told him he must wait, strengthening his faith through endurance. Often, God's delay in answering prayer is not due to a lack of faith on our part but serves a greater purpose for our spiritual growth. The faith of the righteous is tested, refined, and perfected through waiting, as God adds patience to our character. Though Jesus Christ could intervene at any moment, He does not always act when or how we expect, choosing instead a way that is ultimately for our good. Waiting for God requires patience and unshakable faith that He is in control, knowing the best time to resolve our concerns. God promises to deliver us from every affliction, but He does not specify when. Sometimes, the answer comes swiftly; other times, we must wait, trusting that all things work for our ultimate good. We are encouraged to make all requests known to Him, and though He may not intervene immediately, He offers peace of mind, strength, and joy through His Spirit. We should pray expecting an answer soon, yet remain patient if God delays, continuing to ask and believe until He responds. The Parable of the Persistent Widow illustrates the necessity of persevering prayer, showing that even an unjust judge eventually granted a widow's request due to her persistence. How much more will a righteous God hear and answer the cries of His elect? God's delays are not out of indifference but are for noble reasons, such as allowing time for repentance, building faith, or waiting for the best circumstances to manifest the answer. Unlike human promises that often fail, God's commitment to answer prayer is certain, and when the time is right, His response can come suddenly and unexpectedly. We must develop deep trust in God, submitting to His will even in difficult situations, finding joy in surrender. Trusting in Him means active obedience and fervent expectation of His justice, committing our entire way to Him, including our struggles and concerns. As we wait patiently for God to act, we have assurance in His righteousness and justice, knowing He will bring about what is best for us.

The mystery of unanswered prayer often perplexes many, as some prayers seem to be answered while others are not. Why do some experience miraculous healing from dreaded diseases, while others with the same affliction suffer and die? The fault lies not with God, whose character is reliable, loving, alert, just, and involved in the affairs of His creatures, but in our understanding of His purpose and our expectations of what He will do. God commands us to pray, indicating that it is meaningful and helpful to us, primarily for spiritual benefits rather than merely physical ones. Prayer is not simply a means of getting things from God; if that is our approach, we work against His purpose of instilling in us His giving, outgoing character. Until we change our motives for praying, we will find it frustrating and ineffective. Prayer must be seen as one facet of a broader spiritual relationship with God, and without conforming the rest of our lives to His will, our prayers may become empty words. True prayer requires faith, a real confidence in God's goodness toward us, trusting that whether the answer is positive or negative, it is for our ultimate good. In the end, to those who know God, there is no true conundrum; our prayers are heard and answered, and all things will work out for the good of those chosen to have a loving relationship with Him.