Answered prayers come in the form you least expect

James 1:2-3:

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

James 1:12:

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." 

You turned to prayer, seeking strength from the Almighty. You asked for the fortitude to handle life's challenges. But instead of the expected strength, it felt like you got more difficulties piled on.

So, you tried again, this time praying for wisdom. You needed some insight to navigate life's twists and turns. But you found yourself dealing with more problems than ever. It is like the heavens decided to throw a curveball instead of giving you the clarity you asked for.

Then came those moments of fear when you wanted courage. You prayed for the bravery to face tough situations. Yet, it seemed like God had a different plan. Instead of making things easier, you ended up in even more challenging and dangerous spots. The irony was not lost on you.

Now, you cannot help but wonder why your prayers seem to bring more difficulties. Others, it seems, have their answered prayers. Meanwhile, you are stuck dealing with a growing pile of challenges. The frustration and discontent simmer within, making you question the fairness of it all. 

However, answered prayers come in various forms.

You prayed, hoping for answers, and sometimes, they arrive in ways you did not quite expect. It could be a job offer or a scholarship, just as you wished. Other times, though, the responses are more nuanced, taking the shape of challenges.

When you asked for strength, the hurdles and difficulties that followed may not have been what you envisioned. Yet, in facing those challenges, you gradually learn how to be strong. It is as if God thought, "I will give them a chance to build that resilience."

Similarly, when you sought wisdom, you probably did not anticipate receiving more puzzles and problems to solve. However, these situations were like pieces of a grand puzzle, teaching you how to weigh decisions and fit everything together. 

And when courage was your plea, God's response might have seemed counterintuitive. Rather than making things safer, you find yourself in more dangerous situations. But it was in those moments that you learned to overcome fears, step by step. It is like a tailor-made training ground for bravery.

God does not spoon-feed you like a genie granting wishes. 

He does not offer a quick fix or an instant gratification. Instead, the Almighty responds to your prayers in ways that might require effort and growth on your part.

Think about it – if God handed everything to you on a silver platter, there would be little room for personal development. Life's challenges, the hurdles you face after prayer, are not meant to overwhelm you. They are opportunities for you to learn, to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

God does not put you through things if He knows you cannot handle it. It is not a test of endurance beyond your capacity. The difficulties that come your way are tailored to your strengths and abilities.

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