A.R.K.

This morning, I tackled the question: What do you do when God is not answering your prayers? I came up with a little acronym that I believe is helpful: A.R.K. (Assess, Remind, Keep)

1. ASSESS your relationship with God.
Prayer is about a personal relationship with God. So the quality of your relationship with God determines the quality of your prayer life. The Bible says in James 5:16: The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

The word “righteous” is talking about a person who lives a life that is focused on Christ and follows His teachings. A righteous person is a person who has a healthy relationship with God. According to this verse, then, the prayers of such a person are effective.

If your relationship with God is unhealthy, then your prayers will not be very effective. So if God is not answering your prayers, you have to make sure your relationship with God is healthy.

2. REMIND yourself that God's timing is perfect.
Very rarely does our 14 month old want to go to bed. He wants to stay up and play. But we have to say, “No, not right now. It’s time for bed.” He cries and screams, but as his parents we think it’s best for him to be on some sort of schedule. And we think it’s best for him to sleep a little bit. He just doesn’t realize that’s what’s best for him.

In the same way, God knows what’s best for us. And when we pray, and He says, “No, not yet.” It’s a hard pill for us to swallow. We don’t take it very well. We’re not a patient people. And we’ve already assessed our relationship with God, and so we complain to God, “God, you and I are okay. There’s no unconfessed sin in my life. I’m committed to love and obey You. Why aren’t you answering my prayers?” And God just says, “No, not yet.” And sometimes it’s because God has a bigger and better plan, even if that plan doesn’t feel good.

3. KEEP praying--don't give up!
Jesus tells us: “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9-10).

For that direction you need with your career, God may not answer at first, but keep on asking, keep on praying. For that stronger marriage, God may not answer at first, but keep on asking, keep on praying. For that physical ailment that won’t go away, God may not take it away at first, but keep on asking, keep on praying. For that person who needs to experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, God may not change that person just yet, but keep on asking, keep on praying.

God is not bothered or irritated by our persistence. In fact, He loves it! He wants us to express our need for Him. After all, isn't that what prayer is all about?