Author: Jojo Agot

Hearing and reading the word of God are all good but they are not complete.

Our bodies are not supported by merely taking food into the mouth, but the process which really supplies the muscle, and the nerve, and the sinew, and the bone, is the process of digestion. It is by digestion that the outward food becomes assimilated with the inner life.

Our souls are not nourished merely by listening awhile to this, and then to that, and then to the other part of divine truth. Hearing, reading, marking, and learning, all require inwardly digesting to complete their usefulness, and the inward digesting of the truth lies for the most part in meditating upon it.

Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their [prayer] closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God’s Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it.

From such folly deliver us, O Lord, and be this our resolve this morning, “I will meditate in Thy precepts.”

Excerpted from Charles H. Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening: Daily Bible Readings

But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” (Matthew 15:23 ESV)

Those who pray wholeheartedly but don’t get answers from God may take comfort from the story of the Canaanite woman. Jesus heard her prayers alright. He knew the urgency of her request. There was no question about the authenticity of her supplication: she was genuine, earnest, intense, and most of all, she had faith.

So why didn’t she get a prompt answer to her prayers?

Honestly, I have no idea. I just know for a fact that there are times when God simply takes His time. Without explanations, without warning, He goes silent. Maybe it is a test of our character. Or maybe because the time is not right.

Whatever the reason, we must remember that it is in moments like these when our souls pass through the fire of God. We wonder why other people seem to get prompt answers to their prayers while we stagger at the silence of God. It just doesn’t make sense.

You could pound the doors of heaven all you want, you could plead that you are earnest and sincere. But sincerity is not the only basis why God answers prayers. In the high heavens, God makes up decisions about our prayers on the basis of His omniscience and sovereignty. It takes faith to feel secure in the fact that the God who holds everything in His hands has your best interests at heart.

The Canaanite woman got her answers after a severe test of faith and wills. Her undaunting faith in the kindness of God prevailed. She knew deep within her heart that God would never turn away anyone who comes to Him.

But enough of the ancient Canaanite woman who’s already had a happy ending. The more relevant question to chew on today is this: Does it seem like God is giving you the cold shoulders? Aren’t your prayers getting answered? Take comfort in the fact that God heard them alright. He could just be taking His time. He’s not deaf, you know.