Week Thirteen, 2026

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

Recently, I suggested to someone that he pray about a situation. His response was that he already had, and “it doesn’t work.” Yes, it does. It just does not always happen according to our will. God answers all prayers in one of three ways: Yes, No, or Wait.

Have you ever wondered or become frustrated when God didn’t answer a prayer the way you wanted? We all share that experience. Right now, I am waiting for God to answer a big prayer I have been praying about for months, and yet, I have no answer.

In 1990, country music artist Garth Brooks released an album titled No Fences. On this album, Garth had a hit song called “Unanswered Prayers.” The premise of the song is that God knows best. When we look back years later, we are often thankful that God did not answer a previous request.

That reminds me of a saying: “If we knew what God knows, we would agree with what God does.” Who better to guide our steps than the Master Planner Himself? The Lord gives us free will to make our plans, but we should not forget to consult with Him through daily prayer. We must abide in His will, whether it is yes, no, or wait. Can you wait on the Lord?

Unanswered prayer happens when we pray but do not receive the response we want. This often leads to doubt, frustration, or spiritual struggle. However, the delay could be due to praying with selfish motives, unconfessed sin, God’s perfect timing, or a different and better answer. Instead of giving up, we should focus on perseverance, trusting God’s will, and deepening our faith.

So, why pray at all? The answer is that prayer is not just about results. It is about a relationship. God wants us to interact with Him. He wants us to know Him, trust Him, and remember Him in all our ways. He wants us to play an active role in His plan. But He does not promise to be our personal wish-fulfiller.

In the meantime, there is nothing wrong with being honest about your pain and frustration. God hears that as well. He knows best. Just as I was writing this, a friend emailed to tell me he lost his job. Maybe God is teaching him or has a better plan, but the secret is to pray that God’s will be done. That is the purpose of prayer.

Sometimes True Stories

How long do you think it will take before we have a betting scandal in every major sport? When the world honors the wealthy like we do, getting rich quick and cutting corners is bound to happen. —Dwight Short

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The English word for “character” comes from a Latin root that means “engrave.” When we trust in God, He will etch values and principles that form our true character and reach deep into our souls. If we desire godly character, it must be directed by God because He is the source of good. The wicked, on the other hand, will fall if they allow their character to be formed by the devil. —Tony Ferguson

Quotes You Can Use

God wants you to know that He is near enough that you can reach out at any time and fellowship with Him.

A friend with an understanding heart is worth as much as having a brother.

Life is 90% attitude and 10% how we deal with life’s challenges. Eliminate sinful attitudes, and we eliminate 90% of our sinful behavior.

My brain just logged me out due to inactivity, and now I can’t remember my password.

The leading cause of injury in old men is them thinking they’re young men.

When you think about it, God’s signature is on each of us. The question becomes: are we willing to acknowledge God as our Creator, or let our pride pretend we are just an accident of nature? Too many of us want to live life as “do it myself.” —Tony Ferguson

In the New Testament, we see God’s final revelations of Himself through Jesus Christ—showing us the full extent of God’s mercy, patience, and grace. —Dan Shock

If I die tomorrow, I will be with the Lord. If I live tomorrow, the Lord will be with me. Either way, I belong to the Lord, and I am thankful for the relationship.

God is not just interested that you serve Him; He is vitally interested in why and how you serve Him. —Dan Shock

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