Trials and Unanswered Prayers
I recently learned of a man whose wife has struggled with severe health problems. For the past two years, this man has prayed fervently, along with many family and friends, for his wife to recover, but to no avail. Recently he expressed resignation that the miracle he seeks will not come "until the resurrection." But he also asked a poignant question, "Why bother to pray? If the Lord will do what the Lord is going to do, in his time and his own way, why ask for something?" This is a great question, though he undoubtedly felt guilty even asking it. In fact, he later apologized for bringing it up (this was in a religious setting), and he finally said: "I've come to the conclusion that I am not humble enough... I'm afraid my complacency and pride has brought this on." Up to this point I had been quiet, but I have spent too much time blaming myself for my own unanswered prayers to let someone else do that. I told him, "One thing I am certain of i...