Praying When You Don't Want ToSample

Sometimes, the time we spend waiting for an answer to our prayers can feel so slow. I have watched God answer my prayers throughout my life—some answers have been so small that no one else would recognize it, and some answers so big, that I have stood in joy and happily danced with my closest friends because of how extravagant God’s love is! 

But if I am being honest, I don’t think I could begin to count how many times I have forgotten to look back and thank Him.  

I have heard it said that “unexpressed gratitude is not gratitude at all,” and I think this is true in all relationships–especially our relationship with God. When I am going through seasons where I can’t see God moving at all, and all of my prayers seem to go unanswered, that is when I find looking back is so important.

I look back to the times He has provided. I look back at the years He saw me through and brought me to the other side. I look back at who I was then and see who I am today, because of Him. When I look back, I begin to recognize miracle after miracle and His provision throughout my life, even before I was completely devoted to Him.

Gratitude deepens not only our prayer life but our faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness provides us with a renewed hope when we face new difficulties. It reminds us that even during our hardest days and in the worst circumstances, God’s faithfulness is unwavering.

Sometimes, we still struggle because we need the reminder to look back at what God has saved us from. I love Romans 8:11. Paul is talking about changing our lives to be like Jesus and leaving our sinful choices in our past. Obviously, some Roman Christians are struggling with it and may even be wondering if God hears their prayers. Paul's commission to them? Look back at God’s faithfulness. Remember how He raised Jesus from the dead? Remember that answered prayer and know that He can do this for you too!