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  UNANSWERED PRAYER
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: When prayer goes unanswered, it can lead to discouragement,
unbelief, and the enemy gaining a foothold, but faith and resistance can
overcome these challenges.

Topics: "Spiritual Warfare", "Unanswered Prayer"
Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:8

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer addresses the issue of unanswered prayer, emphasizing that
prolonged periods without answers can lead to discouragement and a
chilling effect on faith within the congregation. He warns that
persistent prayer without expectation can confirm the natural unbelief
in our hearts, allowing the enemy to maintain a stronghold over our
spiritual lives. Tozer highlights the tragedy of failing in prayer, as
it leaves the devil in possession of territory that should belong to
God's people, ultimately hindering the work of the Lord. He calls for
believers to seek God's power and increase their faith to prevent the
enemy from claiming any ground due to doubt and unbelief.

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CONTENT
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Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like
a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the
faith.... --1 Peter 5:8-9

If unanswered prayer continues in a congregation over an extended period
of time, the chill of discouragement will settle over the praying
people. If we continue to ask and ask and ask, like petulant children,
never expecting to get what we ask for but continuing to whine for it,
we will become chilled within our beings.

If we continue in our prayers and never get answers, the lack of results
will tend to confirm the natural unbelief of our hearts. Remember this:
the human heart by nature is filled with unbelief....

Perhaps worst of all is the fact that our failures in prayer leave the
enemy in possession of the field. The worst part about the failure of a
military drive is not the loss of men or the loss of face but the fact
that the enemy is left in possession of the field. In the spiritual
sense, this is both a tragedy and a disaster. The devil ought to be on
the run, always fighting a rear guard action. Instead, this blasphemous
enemy smugly and scornfully holds his position, and the people of God
let him have it. No wonder the work of the Lord is greatly retarded.
Little wonder the work of God stands still! Faith Beyond Reason, pp.
36-37

"Lord, show me Your power today. Increase my faith. Don't ever let the
enemy claim any territory because of my doubt and unbelief. Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/unanswered-prayer/
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