Several years ago, I was trusting God for admission into the University. I had prayed, fasted and done all I could, but the admission was not forthcoming. God used that season to teach me what to do when prayers are not yet answered.

Friend, it is true that when there is a man to pray, there is always a God to answer. But how and when God answers are matters that require considerations if we would not truncate God’s plan for our lives. As a child of God, the moment you prayed, according to God’s will, He heard you. But you need to know what to do before the answer manifests (Psalms 34:15, Mark 11:24, 1 John 5:14).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Your posture during and after prayers must be that of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the language of the New Testament because, in Christ, God is not going to do it; He has already done it (2 Peter 1:3). Thanksgiving reveals faith, grants you rest and completes the circuit of your answers. Complaints and grumbling abort the process.

God often prepares us for what He has prepared for us (1 Corinthians 2:9). While expecting the answers to your prayers, you need to get into the necessary preparations that would make you fit for the answers. For example, while praying and waiting for admission those years, I got into preparations. I allowed God to work on me so that when I eventually gained the admission, I was not unfit.

As a young lady, while expecting answers for your marriage, get into preparations. As a pastor, while trusting God for the next breakthrough in ministry, don’t fold your hands. Let God work on you, fix and fit you for the future of your ministry. As a businessman, it is not enough to ask God for a million naira, you must develop millionaire’s mindset and habits. That is what to do while waiting for the manifestation of your answers.

Engage in kingdom service. You may not have a paid job yet, but you can let God employ you in His service as you trust Him for one. Use your singleness to serve God’s purpose; be available in Church, go for evangelism, do some community services, be involved in intercession (Job 42:10, Malachi 3:14-18, Acts 13:36). Above all, be at rest and judge God faithful (Numbers 23:19, Psalms 46:10, Hebrews 11:11). Don’t look for alternatives; wait for God!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact
Akure, Nigeria