Question: How can I break the bad habit of doubting God will answer my prayers?

Answer: Breaking that bad habit starts with reading His Holy Word. For example, we read in 1 Peter 3:12 that “the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers…” (NKJV) In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus tells us to “Ask, and it will be given to you…For everyone who asks receives.” He goes on to say that “If you…being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Therefore, the Bible tells us that God hears and answers our prayers. And, Believers know that God keeps His promises to us. He does not lie, so we can trust what He says! God will answer our prayers according to His will…in His time and in His own way! He may not always answer the way we want, but we must take comfort in recognizing that God knows what’s best better than we do!

Also, know that Satan wants us to doubt God so that our faith will be weak. Satan wants us to forget the many times God has blessed us. He knows that when we remember our blessings, our faith grows stronger! He knows that by remembering our blessings, we can have powerful personal testimonies to share with others. We would be able to tell them about all the amazing things God has done for us. Our sharing would in turn edify others and help draw them closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

So, that’s why it’s important for us to not forget our blessings. We should not forget the times when we have prayed to the LORD for what seemed almost impossible. But we exercised our faith and prayed anyway – knowing that with God all things are possible!

For example, you might remember praying that you would have enough money to get your car fixed – a car you depended on to drive yourself to work. The repair costs ended up being much less than you thought they would be so you had enough money to cover the repairs. Or, you were surprised to learn that the needed repairs were all covered under warranty. You didn’t have to pay anything to get your car fixed. You were so happy to receive such a blessing, and you thanked God for answering your prayers!

Or, you might remember the time your loved one was very, very sick. The doctors gave them only a small chance for recovery. But you continued to pray to God for healing, and they were healed – leaving even the doctors in amazement! You praised the LORD and thanked Him for blessing your loved one with complete healing!

But, not long after that another problem comes up. You start hearing rumors that there will be layoffs on your job. Almost immediately, you start fearing you will be one of the workers laid off. Even before it actually happens, you start feeling anxious and losing sleep wondering how you are going to pay your bills without having a job.

You forget that the same God who brought you through the other challenges in your life, the same God who made sure your car repair costs were covered and who healed your loved one when they were sick is still there for you! He is still with you – hearing and answering your prayers! He’s still willing and able to protect you and bless you! You just need to continue to cast your cares upon Him and trust Him to take care of you!

So Believers, don’t let Satan make you doubt God and His love for you! Remember all the ways our LORD has blessed you and continues to bless you! Trust in His promises to be with us always, and know that He indeed hears and answers our prayers!