Why is God not answering my prayers?

We're addicted to instant. When it comes to just about everything: the faster, the better. We want our food quickly, our results instant, and our dreams now.

To assume this type of impatience doesn't directly change the way we relate to God would be foolish.
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When we pray, we subtly expect God to (quickly) change our situation. We want healing now. We want friction in our relationships removed quickly. We want our kids and spouse to change immediately. We want God to match the speed of our culture and lives. 

And if he doesn't? Well, we take things into our own hands. We work harder, learn to manipulate, and do everything we can to gain control over what feels like a powerless situation. When we feel like God is not being God, we work hard to take his place.

The thing is, we're terrible gods.

The Bible teaches us that God is not as concerned with your comfort as he is your character. He's playing the long game with your life. He's ok settling in and waiting years (and years) to teach you a lesson. Not because he's cruel, but because he's good.

Moses wandered the desert for 40 years. Jospeh spent 11 years in prison. Abraham waited 25 years to have his promise fulfilled by God. God is clearly more concerned with the long game.
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Whatever you're going through, know that God has not abandoned you. He isn't holding out on fixing your problems because he's cruel. It's for your good and his glory. So settle in and rest knowing God is good, even when he doesn't fit into our timing. 
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