Delayed Answers to Prayer!
David Wilkerson's sermon emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer despite experiencing delays in answers from God.
David Wilkerson addresses the frustration many feel when prayers seem unanswered, emphasizing that while we often plead for immediate responses, God operates on His own timeline. He explains that delays in answers are not due to God's lack of power or willingness, but rather a test of our faith and perseverance. Wilkerson encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer, reminding them that God desires a faithful people who will not grow weary or give up. He highlights the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, as true answers come to those who wait on the Lord.
Text
Most of us pray as David did: "In the day when I call answer me speedily" (Psalm 102:2). "I am in trouble: hear me speedily" (Psalm 69:17). The Hebrew word for speedily suggests "right now, hurry up, in the very hour I call on you, do it!" David was saying, "Lord, I put my trust in you--but please hurry!"
God is in no hurry. He doesn't jump at our commands. In fact, at times you may wonder if he will ever answer. You cry out, weep, fast and hope--but days go by, weeks, months, even years, and you don't receive even the slightest evidence that God is hearing you. First you question yourself: "Something must be blocking my prayers." You become perplexed, and over time your attitude toward God becomes something like this: "Lord, what do I have to do to get this prayer answered? You promised in your Word to give me an answer, and I prayed in faith. How many tears must I shed?"
Why does God delay answers to sincere prayers? It certainly isn't because he lacks power. And he is most willing for us to receive from him. No, the answer is found in this verse: "He spake a parable unto them...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).
The Greek word for lose heart, or faint in the King James Version, means "relax, become weak or weary in faith, give up the struggle, no longer wait for completion." Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." The Lord is seeking for a praying people who will not relax or grow weary of coming to him. These people will wait on the Lord, not giving up before his work is completed. And they will be found waiting when he brings the answer.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the urgency in prayer
- The expectation of immediate answers
- Biblical examples of urgent prayers
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II
- God's perspective on timing
- The nature of God's responses
- The importance of faith during delays
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III
- The reasons behind delayed answers
- Spiritual growth through waiting
- The call to persistence in prayer
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IV
- The role of faith in unanswered prayers
- Encouragement from scripture
- The promise of eventual answers
Key Quotes
“In the day when I call answer me speedily.” — David Wilkerson
“Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — David Wilkerson
“The Lord is seeking for a praying people who will not relax or grow weary of coming to him.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Commit to regular prayer even when answers seem delayed.
- Reflect on God's promises in scripture to maintain faith during waiting periods.
- Encourage others in your community to persist in prayer and support one another.