We’ve all been there. Poured out our hearts to God, begged Him, and crickets.
Here are five things we can do when we’re in this apparent situation. If you’d like to go deeper, I wrote a bonus chapter for Praying Mom called Overcoming Biblical Obstacles to Prayer that discusses reasons God might not be talking back (but He does hear, friend, always).
Check Your Heart (Psalm 24:3-4).
Is there anything between you and God? A sin unconfessed? Unforgiveness? Keep short accounts. Ask God to show you if there’s something there that needs attention.
Check Your Motives (Matthew 6:10).
“Not yet,” and “No,” are valid answers to prayer. When I get fussy with God for not answering the way I want, or when I want, it’s usually because I’m busy trying to build MY kingdom instead of His.
Check Your Focus (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Are you leaning on your own understanding, or choosing to see the situation through the lens of God’s truth? Sometimes, I have to say, “NO!” out loud when I find myself doing this. The harsh interruption arrests my thoughts and gives me time to refocus on what I know is true.
Ask for a Belief Increase (Mark 9:24).
We’re human, friend. We won’t always possess the amount of faith we need to get through the trials God allows. But we can ask for more. Pause and ask Your good, kind Savior to help your unbelief and make it possible to trust Him through whatever comes.
Keep Praying (Luke 18:1-8).
Somehow, God uses our prayers. The model we’re given in Scripture is to be persistent, believing that God hears, and will act in a way and at a time that is best for HIS entire, big, grand plan. He IS moving on your behalf, but it’s called faith for a reason.
Is there an available download of the first few days? I just saw this tonight and I ordered the book from Amazon but it says it won’t be here until May 13.
Hi Kristi! You could download a sample of the Kindle version onto your Kindle or Kindle app! That might help!
Could elaborate on what it looks like to “keep your child’s heart”
I’ll do the best I can, but my mentor Ruth, was so much better at it 🙂 I think at it’s core it just means to keep relationship with your child. As they grow up, the relationship changes. It should. But it doesn’t have to end. Having your child’s heart means they trust you, want to come to you, and will listen to you even if they decide to do something different from you. They value you. This isn’t something that comes naturally…it’s something we have to work for. I hope this helps!