Hindrances to Prayer: Reasons God May Not Answer Your PrayersSample

Unbelief/Doubt

Unbelief and doubt are the opposite of faith. The Bible says you should not expect anything from God if you doubt Him or try to have faith in other things.

James 1:5-8 - If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Reflect: What does this say about those who also trust the world?

Mark 11:22-25 - Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.

Reflect: What should you do first when you pray?

Hebrews 11:6 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Mark 6:5-6 - And because of their unbelief, (Jesus) couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

The definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1 - Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Reflect: How do we get faith?

John 20:29 - Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Mark 9:22-24 - The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can. What do you mean, If I can? Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes. The father instantly cried out, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!

Reflect: You can ask God to help you overcome your unbelief, and He will help you. Read more about people with great faith in Hebrews 11. List 5 names you find here who are listed as examples of great faith. Some of these also have incidents recorded where they showed a lack of faith – unbelief. But God is patient with us, and He has a perfect track record in showing up at the most incredible times! He will do the same for you! Trust Him with all your heart and He will delight you with His peace and wisdom as He continues to walk with you through life.