As we make our petitions and supplications to Almighty God, we can repeatedly feel assailed by Satan's five deadly obstacles: 1.) defilement, 2.) doubt, 3) danger, 4.) distractions, and 5.) delay. The heroes of faith (Hebrews 11) encountered the same obstacles as we do, but they persevered, strengthening their faith by meeting the obstacles head on. All of us can find our minds wandering off as we attempt to reach God's throne room during prayer. We then feel distress when God does not answer our petitions immediately or contrary to our expectations. The Psalmist David realized that God often tests and evaluates the righteous, not delivering him immediately, but nevertheless he retained faith that the outcome would be positive. The apostle Paul realized that a thorn in the flesh may be an antidote to pride, in effect a blessing. The apostle Peter understood that fiery trials perfects patience and character. God has promised us that with every trial, He will provide a way of escape. The parables of the persistent widow and the persistent friend indicate that God is sensitive to pleading from His saints. God does not delay because of indifference, but wants to provide maximum opportunity for repenting, overcoming, and building character. When we pray according to God's will, He will grant our requests. As we wait for an answer, we must acknowledge that God is in control, realizing if we delight in the Lord, we will receive the desires of our hearts.