Question: If a Christian has agonized in prayer many years for several requests that are God’s will (salvation and deliverance from evil for loved ones), and these requests continue to be unanswered, how would you convince this Christian that God answers prayer?

Thank you for your deep question. Several matters factor in. I will address three. 

First, have you seen God answer other prayers? The psalmist said, “O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come” (Psalm 65:2). God is not like a lifeless idol which cannot see or hear. He is the living God who sees and hears. The implication of the psalmist’s words is that God hears and answers. That’s why people pray. If you have prayed and experienced answers to prayer, you understand this—and you know God does answer prayer. 

But why are some prayers not answered?

Second, when you pray regarding a matter that involves another individual’s will, that will must be factored in. God in His sovereign wisdom chooses not to violate man’s will. He stirs and convinces. He puts pressure on to make man willing, but He does not override man’s will. People can resist the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51). When you pray, God puts pressure on those you are praying for in answer to your prayer, but the timing may be delayed due to lack of yielding on the part of the one you are praying for. 

Third, faith is always a response to God’s divine initiation. Faith comes by hearing the specific word of God (Romans 10:17). When the Holy Spirit speaks to you a specific word that ignites faith in your heart, then faith can respond and be real faith and  not wishful thinking. If this has been the case in your situation, then keep praying. I have several friends who prayed long years for lost loved ones and saw them come to Christ before it was too late. One just this past summer finally came to Christ. 

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