Why God Answers Prayers Differently

Hope is one of the most powerful gifts God gives us. Without it, life can feel heavy, uncertain, and overwhelming. But with it, we can face each day with courage, no matter what comes our way.

The Bible describes hope not as wishful thinking, but as confident trust in God’s promises. Lamentations 3:21 23 says, “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Notice how the writer doesn’t look to his circumstances for hope. He looks to God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness.

That same invitation is extended to us.

Hope in the Storm

Life is not easy. Some days bring joy, but others bring trials, worries, or unexpected challenges. Hope doesn’t mean our struggles disappear. It means we have confidence that God is bigger than what we’re facing, and that He will walk with us through it.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Without an anchor, a boat drifts wherever the waves push it. Without hope, we drift into fear, doubt, or despair. But with hope in Christ, we are steady, even in the storm.

I learned this truth in a profoundly personal way when my daughter, Victoria, was three years old. She was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and doctors told us she had only days to live. The prognosis was grim: even if she survived surgery, they warned us to prepare for the worst.

But instead of giving in to fear, we held onto hope. We prayed. Our family prayed. Our church prayed. And after eight and a half hours of surgery, Victoria came through. Not only was she alive, but she was speaking and asking to go home.

Years later, the tumour returned, and once again, we faced another long surgery. The fear was still there — but so was hope. We remembered how God had carried us the first time, and we trusted Him again. And once again, He brought her through.

Today, Victoria still lives with the effects of her condition. Still, she’s full of life, swimming competitively as a para-athlete, training at 4 a.m., and inspiring everyone around her with her courage. Our family has learned that hope is not fragile optimism — it’s confidence in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Three Ways to Live with Daily Hope

Hope is not just for life’s biggest trials. It’s for every day. So how do we live with daily hope?

1. Remember God’s promises.
God’s Word is filled with reminders of His presence, provision, and peace. When you feel discouraged, hold on to a promise. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”

2. Look back at God’s faithfulness.
Sometimes the best way to find hope today is to remember how God has answered prayers in the past. In our family, my wife kept a journal of “answered prayers.” In seasons when we were weary, we would go back and read it. Seeing God’s faithfulness written down lifted our perspective and rebuilt our hope.

3. Keep your eyes on eternity.
This life is not the end of the story. Revelation 21:4 gives us this promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” When you know your future is secure in Christ, you can face today with peace.

Hope for Everyday Life

Don’t think of hope as something only for the significant crises. It’s just as important in everyday struggles.

• If you’re facing a tough decision at work, hope says, “God will guide me.”

• If you’re feeling weary as a parent, hope says, “God’s strength is enough.”

• If you’re lonely, hope says, “God sees me and He cares.”

Each day, hope lifts our perspective. Instead of focusing on fear or negativity, hope helps us look for where God is at work. It shifts our eyes from problems to possibilities.

A Question for You

So let me ask you — what’s one area of your life where you need hope today? Is it in your family, your finances, your health, or your spiritual life? Whatever it is, bring it before God. Ask Him to fill you with fresh hope, anchored not in circumstances, but in His promises.

And don’t let those moments of answered prayer slip away. Write them down. Reflect on them. Because if God has done it before, He can do it again.

Final Thoughts

Over the last seven days, we’ve looked at what it means to start fresh with God — His new mercies each morning, the freedom of forgiveness, the renewal of our minds, the gift of each day, the refreshing power of His Word, and now, the daily hope that holds us steady.

This is what it means to live a life anchored in God. Each morning is a new opportunity to walk in His grace, strengthened by His promises, and filled with hope for the future.

Hope doesn’t deny the challenges of life — it looks them in the face and declares, “My God is faithful.”

So today, take a deep breath, lift your eyes, and step forward with confidence. The same God who carried you yesterday will have you again today. That’s the power of living with daily hope.