Seemingly unanswered prayers appear to be all around me. There are many people who are consistently in my prayers who suffer from addiction, severe mental health issues, poor physical health, and are distant from God. The prayers have been happening for years, even decades.

With so many years going by and not seeing these dear to me restored, it’s easy to loose heart. It’s easy to think God is distant or doesn’t care. It’s easy to miss what God is doing.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with a group of men who had been incarcerated. They were part of a ministry that helps them find employment, housing etc. As these men shared their stories, they all had one thing in common, hope. They shared their enthusiasm for continuing their education and gaining a new start on life. They credited their commitment to God. A God who met them at their lowest moment and pulled them up. They were living this scripture.

^13-15 My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. (1 John 5:13-15 MSG).

I need to read this daily as I wrestle with seemingly unanswered prayers. I need to be bold and free God’s presence. I need to be confident that He is listening and bringing these requests to fruition just as He is in the lives of these men. Their hope was palpable and inspiring. It’s a hope that will be propelling me for some time to come.

What do you do with seemingly unanswered prayers? How do you keep hope? Do you struggle to be bold and free in His presence? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.