God does indeed answer prayers, sometimes it takes a while and sometimes He answers with a "NO" but He does answer them. Odd that He never answers on time huh!? No, God answers them right on time...His timing is perfect, ours is not! Remember Martha and her perception of Jesus being late?
John 11:20-21
Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.
Even in bad situations, where we lose a loved one...rest assured it is God's Purpose. All things do work together for good...
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Yes its always sad when a loved one departs this life, because we are not ready to let them go yet. Death however is the only means by which the spirit of people can enter into the presence of God. Keep in mind that God rejoices in the death of those who love Him, since they can enter directly into His presence at that time...They finally get to be with God. We too should be happy and rejoice in their salvation.
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.
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God had never answered my prayers as I was growing up, at one point I denied Him completely. I became somewhat of an anti-christ, searching for anybody to hurt for my own personal amusement. Although my story is long, I can tell you that God has been faithfully answering the prayers of my family. Many have been yes, and He has blessed us abundantly, others have been no and that's okay too. Prayers are a powerful thing, but we need to keep in mind that God does so to His Glory.
Anything you don't pray for is simply left to chance...
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