We have all had the experience of unanswered prayer. We pray for God's healing for a loved one. We pray for God to bring revival to our churches. We pray for financial prosperity. Yet, there are times when nothing seems to change even though God has promised us, "Ask and you will receive." It may even lead us to question whether Jesus is being totally truthful when He says, "If you ask me anything in My name, I will do it"?
We will never have all the answers to unanswered prayer, but the story of the exodus provides us with some important perspectives when heaven appears to be in silent mode. In Exodus 2:23, Israel cries out for God to deliver them from their bondage in Egypt. “The people of Israel groaned because they were slaves. They also cried out to God. Their cry for help went up to Him.” The people waited for twelve long chapters, a wait that must have seemed like forever, before God completely answered their prayers. What we learn from their waiting will help us the next time we are struggling with unanswered prayer - or God's answer is not what we have asked for or expected.
