Understanding God's Timing and Our Trials

Why isn't God answering My prayers appear to be one of the questions I am asked regularly, whether I’m leading Bible study at the jail or counseling at the Hope Center to new believers.  

Another question I am asked constantly is “ Why does God allow suffering?”  The other question I’ve heard that breaks my heart is, “ Why does God hate me?”  

I don’t feel that any of us are alone when it comes to wondering about God’s feelings when the circumstances we are going through cause us to feel betrayed.  The most devastating spiritual crisis isn’t when we wonder why God isn’t doing something about our circumstances but when we are convinced that God no longer cares.  

What causes our faith to fade away to almost nothing isn't doubt.  It's finding ourselves too sure of the wrong things.  The things that satan wants us to focus on.
These are things such as Forgiveness isn't essential.  It's not worth it.  It's not time for me to show that kind of obedience.  God isn't moving in my circumstances.  All I see is proof that God isn't working in my circumstances.  

Although all of these statements may seem to be realistic feelings and thoughts, we need to remember God’s Word, His provision, protection, instructions, and His faithfulness.  We need to remember all of the times when God has shown His faithfulness, and although we can’t always see Him working amid our hard times, we can still look back and remember where we've seen miraculous moves of God and His goodness and love for us.  

It can be difficult when we are going through a situation where we know God can do anything, but He's not doing what we are hoping He would do, what we've prayed for over and over, what we've believed would be the outcome.  

What I've come to know is that even though there are times when we feel abandoned, it doesn’t mean He isn’t working in our life.  

We need to fix our eyes not on what is seen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:18

God loves us so much that to answer our prayers at any time other than His perfect timing would not benefit us nor teach us to trust Him in all things.  

We know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.  
Romans 8:28

At the end of each day, look at how God is showing you assurances of His love for you, even in a season that feels like an unending time of waiting on Him.