Unanswered Prayer and the Comfort of God’s Unchanging Presence

Editor’s note – Rina Schultz imagines Jesus answering every burden with presence instead of solutions – no circumstance changes, no “why” gets answered. That discomfort is the real subject here, and it’s worth asking what you actually expect prayer to accomplish before you decide how to feel about the answer.

If Jesus Stood at Your Door

Imagine you hear your doorbell and when you open the door, Jesus is standing there. You invite Him in, and once the preliminaries are out of the way, you unload all your burdens and cares on Him. You tell Him of all the things that worry and concern you. He hears of your fears, dreams, and unanswered prayers. You tell Him of your struggles, financial problems, the difficulties at work, and all the things that get you down. You dig up hurts from decades ago. You’re sure that you have forgiven the perpetrators, but the hurt clings to you like a second skin.

When you have depleted your emotional vault, Jesus locks eyes with you, and says: “You are okay. You’re on the right track. Keep going. I’m always with you.”

These are His departing words. He doesn’t change your circumstances. He doesn’t answer any of your whys, and He doesn’t give you any of the things you asked of Him. How would you feel?

Why This Gives Me Strength

Basically, this is what happens every day. We pray until we are hoarse. We stand until our strength runs out. We hold on until our fingers cramp. Our eyes are dim from looking to the horizon for answers and relief, and the only thing we have to hold on to is the promise that Jesus will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Surprisingly, this is what gives me strength every day. On my worst day, on my worst behavior, I remind myself that God loves me and that He is with me. His love doesn’t fluctuate, and His presence is constant and consistent. I feel bad enough when I’m having a bad day. Berating myself serves no other purpose than making me feel even worse about myself and my inability to be a perfect Christian. It’s wonderful to know that God doesn’t condemn me. He loves me, stays with me, and encourages me to stay the course.

Editor’s note – Scripture separates conviction, which leads somewhere, from condemnation, which doesn’t (Romans 8:1). God’s love doesn’t fluctuate, even on your worst day.

The Purpose of Suffering

I have often wondered about the purpose of suffering. Some people seem to be born to suffer, much more than others. I look at situations around the world. Many people are going through immense pain, persecution, wars, displacement, sickness, poverty, a lack of safety, security, and basic necessities. Each of us faces our own troubles every day. Comparisons serve no other purpose than reminding me how fortunate I am. Certainly, my life isn’t easy, but it could be much worse.

Why do we suffer day after day without any relief in sight? Romans 5:3-4 gives us a glimpse. Suffering builds character and develops perseverance. These are the things that are important to God. Temporary discomfort, pain, or difficult circumstances are not as important as the fruit they bear. God wants us to develop character. He wants us to persevere in faith. When Jeremiah asked the “How long” question, God didn’t provide him with a timeframe. He answered with a question of His own. He wanted to know how Jeremiah would run against horses when he couldn’t even compete with men. Frustrating, isn’t it?

What Job Teaches Us

God did the same with Job. He responded to Job’s questions with questions of His own. He hardly ever gives a direct answer other than helping us to focus on Him. In the midst of our trials, He is Almighty, ever present, and unchanging in His love for us.

Editor’s note – God answers Job’s and Jeremiah’s questions by enlarging their view of who He is, not by explaining Himself. That’s not evasion; it’s the only answer big enough for real suffering.

A Glory Yet to Come

Paul reminds us that our present suffering is small potatoes compared to the glory that awaits us. I know, it’s little comfort in the thick of our struggles, but knowing that God loves us and that He’s with us until the end gives me the courage and the strength I need to face one more day.

How about you? How do you talk to yourself when you have messed up badly and don’t feel good about yourself at all?

A Word from the Editor
Paul calls our suffering light and momentary next to the glory to come (2 Corinthians 4:17). Talk to yourself the way God talks to you – staying, loving, calling you forward.

Editor Comment: Honest reflection on finding strength in God's presence even when prayers go unanswered is a timely encouragement for anyone walking through unresolved suffering today.

This article appeared on Medium and is reprinted with modifications and by permission.