God will grant us, in response to our prayers, the blessings He knows are best for us. If He does not give us exactly what we ask for, He will provide something even better—something we would have asked for ourselves if we understood what was truly best, as He does.
The timing of God’s answer may seem long to our impatient minds, but His response will not be delayed beyond the perfect moment. If anyone feels discouraged because an answer to prayer seems delayed, remember that God may have already answered—though in a way we have not yet recognized or expected.
When Paul prayed for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, God did not take it away. Instead, He sanctified the thorn and gave Paul grace to bear it well. As Paul said, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness!’” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
Know then, whether you see it or not, that God always hears and answers our prayers. Let our prayers be humble, believing, and submitted to His will, and they will never be in vain.
Jesus Himself provides the perfect example of surrender in prayer: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
-Charles Simeon (updated for today’s reader)
The Fight of Faith 