Some prayers are heard and quickly answered. Others, we must persist in prayer before the answer is received.

Daniel was given this assurance when his answer was blocked for twenty one days: “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understand and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven.”
(Daniel 10:12, NLT) His request was heard from the very first moment he prayed.

“Results per se are no proof of the existence of faith, any more than the lack of visible results are the proof of the absence of faith.”
(from “Living Faith” by Dr. Helen Roseveare, page 80)

Visible results are not “proof” of our faith. Jesus assures us, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” (John 5:17, NLT)

Now here is what I find curious … my faith is increased by visible results. My faith increases and my desire to pray more – to intercede and lay needs before our God – is strengthened.

May we remember in the days ahead that a delayed answer does not equate to NO ANSWER. May we persist and keep coming before our God. Our prayers are heard immediately. Our God knows both the timing and the work He desires to do in our hearts.

“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. Everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NLT)

May we keep on praying –
continually, compassionately, and confidently!