Daily Hope — Trusting God’s Promises

It’s a question that lingers in the hearts of many believers: Why does God seem to answer some people’s prayers, yet remain silent to others? Maybe you’ve poured your heart out for healing, a breakthrough, or reconciliation, only to feel like heaven is quiet. Then you see someone else receive the very thing you’ve been pleading for, and the thought comes: What about me?

If you’ve ever wrestled with that, you’re not alone. The Bible is full of people asking the same question. And one truth shines out from the very beginning: God hears every prayer.

God Hears Every Prayer

Scripture assures us that none of our prayers are wasted. Not just the polished ones spoken from pulpits. Not just the prayers of missionaries or pastors. God hears your prayer—the hurried ones whispered on the way to work, the tearful ones cried through clenched teeth at night, and even the silent groans too deep for words.

Philippians 4:6–9 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The promise that follows is peace—a peace that surpasses understanding.

For many years, I prayed this scripture but didn’t always feel that peace. Over time, though, God began answering in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

A Lesson From a Broken Van

Several months ago, my wife Wendy and two of our daughters were heading to Sydney in our people mover, an eight-seater van. Before leaving, Wendy asked me to pray for her, the girls, and the vehicle. I did.

Within an hour, she rang from the side of the highway—the van had broken down. The mechanic’s verdict was grim: the head gasket had blown. Repair cost? At least $5,000.

My heart sank. That van was vital—Wendy was due to drive it to Queensland for a sporting event that week. We didn’t have another vehicle big enough, and I didn’t have $5,000 lying around.

That afternoon, Wendy walked into my office. “You’re worried about the van, aren’t you?” she said. Of course I was. But then she reminded me of Philippians 4: “Don’t be anxious, but through prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” She looked at me and said, “So why don’t we pray?”

Honestly, I didn’t feel spiritual. I didn’t feel faith-filled. But we had no other option. So we prayed.

God’s Unexpected Answer

That evening, we attended a leadership meeting at church. Normally, I’d have been ruminating the entire time, but strangely, I felt calm—God’s peace had settled on me.

At the close of the meeting, a couple approached us. They’d heard I build websites and said they’d like one done. My heart leapt—this could be the answer! However, they added, “We won’t need it for another eight months.”

I smiled politely, but inside I thought, Well, that’s not much help right now.

Then, just minutes later, they returned. “Ken, this might sound strange, but as we prayed, God put it on both our hearts that you need $5,000 tonight. Do you?”

I could hardly believe it. They asked me to invoice them in advance for the future website, and the next day, $5,000 was in our account. The van was fixed, Wendy and the girls made their trip, and I was left stunned at how directly God had answered our prayer.

God’s Timing and Silence

But what about those times when it doesn’t happen? When prayers drag on unanswered for years?

I’ve been there too. There were seasons when I prayed for things I thought were essential, and God seemed silent. I questioned myself: Is He even listening? Am I being punished? Have I done something wrong?

Here’s what I’ve learned: God’s silence is not the same as His absence. A delayed answer is not the same as an unheard prayer. Sometimes God’s “no” is really a “not yet.” And sometimes His answer is different from what we expected, but better in the long run.

Waiting for a Partner

When I became a Christian in Sydney over 30 years ago, I prayed fervently for a wife. I longed for a God-fearing partner. Every time a single woman visited the church, I was right there, hoping God had answered. But every relationship failed.

It was discouraging. Why were others finding partners while I remained single?

What I couldn’t see then was that God was preparing someone—Wendy. At that time, she wasn’t a believer. Through a series of “coincidences,” we kept bumping into each other. God nudged me to share my faith with her. Eventually she came to Christ, and two weeks later we began dating. Two years later, we were married. Now, nearly 27 years on, with four wonderful children, I see clearly: God’s delay was not denial. His timing was perfect.

Bringing It Home

So let me ask you: Have you stopped praying about something because you assumed God wasn’t listening? Have you allowed disappointment to put up a wall between you and Him?

Maybe you’ve prayed for healing, provision, or a relationship. Maybe the silence feels unbearable. Yet today, I encourage you—pray again. Even if you can’t find the words, sit with Him in honesty: “Lord, you know my heart.”

Jesus said that not a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father knowing (Matthew 10:29). If He knows when a sparrow falls, how much more does He hear your prayers?

Conclusion

Your prayers are not wasted—not one of them. Every whisper, every tear, every groan too deep for words matters to God. He may not answer in the way or timing you expect, but He is always listening.

This week, let that truth carry you: You are seen, you are heard, and you are deeply loved.