**This is a good example of empathizing with the questioner, giving a thorough response with solid biblical support, and providing relatable illustrations of biblical principles at work**

Question: “I’m seeking employment and doing everything I can…including Praying about it….why hasn’t God answered my prayers?”

Profile: Female, 46–60, North America

Answered by: Christy Krenek, who has been a volunteer with us since April, 2014.

Answer: Isn’t it frustrating when our best efforts to communicate with another individual result in an unsatisfactory response . . . or worse, no response at all? Often we make the mistake of equating the “lack of immediate tangible results” with God rejecting or ignoring our prayers. Would God actually turn a “deaf ear” to our petitions for healing, protection, or employment? James 5:13–16 urges us to pray earnestly, with the promise of “powerful and effective” results. Why would God emphasize the significance of prayer, yet appear to not respond with an answer?

When answering prayer, God always responds first to our behavior much as a parent responds to a precious child (Psalm 103:13–14). Our Heavenly Father has a specific purpose: to enable us to see that He will walk within the storms of our lives (Mark 6:48). Like the disciples, we often strain against God’s purposes for our lives. We are to depend on Him and on His power now. We can get so focused on our desired physical goal (the shore) that we fail to realize that God’s purpose is the process itself—teaching the disciples about the hardships they would face when they were sent out.

Are We There Yet?

If you’ve ever taken a car trip with small children, you were probably repeatedly asked this question. Whether it’s a trip across town or across the country, children are impatient and aren’t interested in the journey . . . only the destination. Like children, we often ignore the lessons and experiences along the journey because of a pre-established goal.

My brother lost his job over four years ago. Taking classes on financial stewardship through his church was highly beneficial to Mike and my sister-in-law. It reminded them that God was their Provider (Genesis 22:14). This significantly reduced their anxiety as they surrendered their resources to God (Hebrews 13:5).

While finding a job was an important goal, there were many more significant things that God wanted to use Mike for in the process:

• “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations” (Psalm 33:11). Mike had abundant time to be a strong godly male influence for a close friend—a divorced single mother and her toddler son. As a teenager, this boy still remembers the biblical values and “fatherly” advice passed on by Mike who journeyed through childhood with the boy (Proverbs 2:1–6).

• “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need” (1 Timothy 5:3). The adjustments necessary after my mother-in-law was widowed were easier by my brother’s availability throughout the day. Mike continues to use his extra time to maintain Fran’s home, enabling her to maintain a worry-free life. He chooses to love and honor her by spending time visiting or sharing an impromptu lunch “date” with her (Leviticus 19:32; Romans 12:10–11).

• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). As part of a team, Mike uses his “free time” and carpentry skills in designing intricately carved crosses that read, “Amazing Grace.” Hundreds of these “gift” crosses offer hope and salvation to the broken and troubled throughout the world.

Knowing the Meaning of “No”

Prayer is not a casual one-sided conversation. It is not “back-up insurance” that guarantees that you’ll experience a life free from struggles, full of “Yes” responses. It is trusting that God’s answers (even “No”) will always accomplish greater things (I Corinthians 2:9–10; Ephesians 3:20–21). Even when God appears to be saying “No,” these delays must not dishearten you. What is God’s purpose in answering our prayers (John 14:13)? God wants us to bring our every need to Him, as He responds according to His character and will. Jesus’ greatest desire was to give preeminence to God’s glory and will, not to His own needs (Luke 22:42; John 8:54).

It is never easy to wait for the desired outcome to our impassioned pleas. Doubt and despair can invade our thoughts. But we have Jesus Christ as our inspiration. He experienced every disappointment we face, and more. Even Jesus cried out to God, seeking a response (Mark 15:34). Imagine Jesus being denied (“No”) the light of the sun when He was suffering. Is the “No” that God may be giving you in your present circumstances any greater?

Jobless, But Not Hopeless

As Christians, we can see unemployment in a more positive light. God determines the environment that we live in as well as our future. Christians do not need to worry about their physical security (Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:19). The difficulties that we encounter God uses to increase our faith (Hebrews 11:1). When fellow Christians know about your needs it provides an opportunity for them to express love and support (Galatians 6:2). As you receive gifts from others, you will discover ways to give to others as well. Your abilities, experience, and spiritual gifts can be used to form new relationships, to explore new opportunities, and to be rich in good deeds (1 Timothy 6:18). My brother’s unemployment enabled him to volunteer more of his time and energy to serve others.

Do not be discouraged in your prayers. Prayer will draw in resources of spiritual joy and peace. When you surrender yourself to God’s timing, heavenly and spiritual joy will fill your soul. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Additional Resources: https://www.gotquestions.org/unemployment.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/unanswered-prayer.html