When God does not listen where do you go?
@allknowing (135887)
India
January 26, 2013 2:22am CST
No stone is left unturned approaching God asking for favours. Countless pilgrimages, visits to temples, churches, mosques, prayers, fasts, are all a part of this exercise. Despite all this sometimes these efforts go in vain. Has such a thing ever happened to you. What was your next step? Do share.
2 people like this
17 responses
@melwhilby (4)
• Canada
26 Jan 13
When God does not listen?...God always listens. He always hears. The thing is, sometimes when He responds it is not what we want to hear or not what we are expecting, so we turn a deaf ear to him.
Other times, He doesn't respond as quickly as we'd like him to, so we become impatient, and in our impatience we become frustrated and overwhelmed and depressed or dismayed or indignant.
Sometimes we ask for hings that are selfish...sometimes we ask for things that are not necessarily selfish, but God knows that giving it to us at all, or at that particular time would eventually be to our detriment.
What you have to realize is that God is all-knowing and all-powerful and He knows what is best for us. We have to trust Him and have faith in His plan for our lives.
"When God does not listen where do you go?" is a question that doesn't make sense to me, because God always listens...The question is, are you listening to God?
Have faith, be patient, be blessed
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
My approach is a little different. I place my trust in God and do what is required of me. Ofcourse I have expectations and work hard to reach my goal. Even after working hard if I do not meet with success I assume that it is not in my interest and move on. This is how I get my peace.
Your approach is to ask for specific favours. You are right when you say that we are not aware that what are praying for may not be in our interest, after all.
@namiya (1718)
• Philippines
26 Jan 13
I believe that God listens to our every prayer but not all is granted and reason why is beyond human perception. But when my prayer is not answered I just think that maybe it is not good for me or that it is not time yet. And from my personal experience there had been prayers that were not granted but turned out to be beneficial for me years later.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
Can you just give one example of what you had asked for and have now moved on because you did not get it and yet are at peace with yourself?
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
How do you pray. Do you make a list of what you want and pray that it may be given to you. Is it how it is done. How much time do you give to realise that what you have prayed for and not granted is not in your interest? Do share your thoughts.
@dpk262006 (58676)
• Delhi, India
26 Jan 13
Hello ak!
I think God always listens to our prayers. However, He has his own ways to let us know that He has taken note of our prayers. Praying to him gives us a kind of strength and we feel that He is with us and He will do good to us.
If things do not work our way, we again go to Him with prayers.
Ultimately, whatever comes our way we believe it is His will.
We on our part could make efforts and leave rest to the God.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
You know how dissatisfied the world is and that is because God has not heard the prayers. Or could it be that those who pray do not know how to go about it. There are instances when for years people keep visiting different holy places, with offerings and various other approaches and yet their wishes remain unfilled and they are miserable. What would you advise them?
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
When prayers are not heard, there are different reactions. It is important to know how long should one wait to know whether the prayers will be heard after all.
@Jlyn10 (11965)
• Malaysia
26 Jan 13
If God is to answer everyone's prayer in just one single prayer, do you think they would still seek Him?
God always listens. If our prayer is not answered, perhaps it is not the right time yet or maybe He has other plans for us. Whatever it is, we should leave everything to God to decide cause He knows what is best for us.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
So God wants us to seek him and so he does not answer our prayer when we ask for it once. In other words one needs to surrender. Surrendering amounts to being in a state of happiness. But do you think all are happy?
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
Surrender gives on peace and peace gives one happiness. But the question is how easy is it to surrender.
@valorieesquilona (442)
• Philippines
26 Jan 13
i don't think God doesn't listen. I believe He listens to us every time and He is always there for us. When we talk to Him, he hears us; when we need Him, He always helps us. He listens to our prayers and He knows what we want to say. He knows what's inside our heart and mind. If there are times that we feel alone and left out by the world, God is there, all we have to do is to open our heart to Him. Let him drive our lives. Let Him take charge of every thing.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
How do you go about when what you ask for is not granted? Do you accept that verdict and move on happily?
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
I never ask for favours valorie. My approach is slightly different. Neither do I believe in pilgrimages, offerings or whatever I have stated in my topic. I have found my bearings as far as my relationship with God is concerned. Because what I do is, work towards my goal bringing God in my life as though we are both working together. If nothing works I move on after giving a deadline. I see unhappiness among those who ask for favours but never give up remaining in a state of restlessness till the end of time so to say. I want to tell them that they should keep a deadline and then move on having attained peace.
@valorieesquilona (442)
• Philippines
27 Jan 13
i think you are being skeptic, aren't you? you are beginning to doubt your faith in God. I am also like you, doubting the existence of God when I thought he did not answer my prayers. But, after talking to my self and thinking about everything, I realized that God answers prayers. He may not answer you right away as you want him to answer you but believe it or not, he really answers our prayers it's just a question of when. I cannot blame you if you are doubting right now because sometimes I doubt too but, I want to keep my belief and faith. If you talk to him again, try not to ask what you want rather, thank him for everything he had given to you--thank him because you are still alive and you still have the chance to experience his grace. Give him a chance, my friend and give yourself a chance too. Have a good day!
@Nursefrai06 (2498)
• Penrith, Australia
27 Jan 13
He listens and does actions in his own perfect timing. Trust and everything will go as it has to. Things get lost, events happen, all for a purpose. It will be difficult but just believe that everything will turn out the way it should be.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
It is the lack of understanding that all what one prays for is not in one's interest that people go desperate. Rather than asking for favours one should pray for enlightenment.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
2 Feb 13
I always tell people that worrying is a sin as it is only those who do not trust God will do that. Trust in God and all will be well.
@Nursefrai06 (2498)
• Penrith, Australia
2 Feb 13
That's true, it's quite difficult to be in a situation where in you don't understand anything. But if we understand everything, it isn't faith, if it is easy, it's not faith. If its easy, then it is not worth it.
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
27 Jan 13
I don't ask for favors because I believe there are many more important favors than mine. I feel God is a pretty busy person, saving those who need it the most because there are more important favors than mine.
When I have a big problem, that I consider a "problem", I ask for help from any deceased relatives to give me some support and help me. I know that sounds weird, but it usually works for me. I get help in the strangest ways so until I need bigger assistance, I'll keep doing what I'm doing.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
What is important really is to know when the cut off time is. One needs to pray for this enlightenment.
@Archie0 (5652)
•
26 Jan 13
I believe when you pray with your whole heart, with a determination along with belief in god that you will surely achieve those things in life, Along with go you also trust in yourself that you are capable of things. I am sure you get them one day. Another thing i know is god does not give anything very easily to his children he loves the most, my mother tells me this. She says he wants his children to struggle, become strong learn and value things and know that only after a very long desire for them they get it, so that in future they don't lose value for anything. Secondly i believe if the thing you are asking is going to be good for you. That is if it is really meant to come to you, it will come otherwise if it is not yours, even if you go bang your head to hundred temple walls they won't be yours. God has plans for you and he knows what is better for us than we do. Everything has its time, sometimes you just have to be very much patient to wait for them to come. And after all god examines how much we believe in him. I believe, that now i am failing on every walk of my life, success is far from me. But one day if i don't lose faith in him and i know best will come to me. Things are going to be okay one day. Everyone has their time.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
How do you go about seeking favours from God. Should we really ask or just go about doing what is required to be done and have No expectations?
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
Having no expectations even from God sounds a bit difficult. But as time goes by and what is prayed for is not granted one moves on thinking that it is in their interest that God has not granted the wish. Even to think this way one needs to pray.
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
26 Jan 13
Some people think and feel that way (God does not listen once their prayers are not granted)
I always believe that there is a good reason behind un-answered prayers.
Imagine a kid asking something from his father- but the kid's wish is something that might harm him- do you think the father will grant his kid's wishes?
Same thing with GOD- if GOD does not grant a wish- it doesn't mean that GOD is not listening- it means, God love HIS child and HE doesn't want HIS child to be in danger and in pain.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
This understanding that God has a reason is not understood by the majority and they go on and on for years. If only they would know when to stop asking that would give them peace and it is this what one should pray for - the grace of understanding.
@cosette419 (1)
•
26 Jan 13
Indeed, let us trust that things will happen in God's time. It is only through his will and grace that our purpose and life's meaning will be unveiled to us. He knows what is the best for us and it will occur to us at the right time. And sometimes, just because those things we wish for do not happen, it doesn't mean that we are forgotten or taken for granted. We are only spared from further grief or danger. What is meant to be will happen. And as a living testimony, I experience this love from God in my life. God never leaves us. He is always there even during those times when we feel that we are all alone. Just continue to pray and believe.
@vandana7 (100214)
• India
26 Jan 13
Of course, for a while I did feel that god had forsaken me...but of late, I feel he is back where he belongs. :) I did hate him a lot for a while...it was always what wrong have I done to be suffering like this...and now it is why are you nice to me even though I dont deserve it all. :) What do you think I did..cursed him rotten..lol
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
I remember your good old days vandana. I think we exchanged messages too. But good to know that is history now. They say God is mysterious. Understanding Him is not easy. Whatever He does there is a reason and if we surrender to his will one can handle adversities better.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
27 Jan 13
In my most difficult times, i have called on to Him to ask for guidance and help me make everything better right there and then. I think I was so desperate at that time that I just want to take away the pain. And if it was possible to erase all the bad memories, I have asked Him that, too. Of course, God doesn't always just grant want we want. I felt alone and helpless for a time. But I never thought of getting mad at Him, coz I know that He will give my wishes at the right time and no wish can ever happen without man doing his part, right? I just stick by my faith that even though not everything could be okay now, it will be tomorrow.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
I see so much of pain around specially with those who stop at nothing. They will be everywhere as I said in my topic and will not give up. There is a cut off time for everything including praying. One should understand that when our prayers are not heard it is time to move on and surrender. That is what I meant when I said where to go next. One should surrender and move on But that is not happening. People are unhappy and miserable as surrendering and moving on gives on peace and therefore happiness
@aminul842700 (861)
• Dhaka, Bangladesh
26 Jan 13
Hi friend, Our belief is our great asset. We must believe that God is one. There is no other God, except Allah. Allah is one. We have no other alternative. If God does not listen, then we have no other way to go. So we have to set up our mind and surrender to God fully. We have to tell God, "We are your creators, please remove our sufferings and give us new life and take our all problems. Then God will listen your prayer. You can read Al-Qur'an to know more about Allah/God. May Allah bless you in all aspects.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
Surrender is surely one way and doing what is required of us and placing our trust in God. I believe in that.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
Most have belief in God and may be go about exactly the way you do. With this approach there should be peace everywhere and you know that is not the case. So what is missing here?
@dee777 (1417)
• South Africa
26 Jan 13
When I pray I do expect God to listen to me. And I know that He does. He knows what is best for me and does not have to grant my wishes if He knows it will not benefit me... There are times that He protects me when He does not grant my request. So when He does not answer, there is always a reason why... He knows best... always.
@Angelpink (4034)
• Philippines
26 Jan 13
Hi there ! God listens to us 24/7 ! Before we speak or before we whisper he knows already what is the shout of our heart .Is is us who sometimes don't call him or it is us who doesn't listen to him. Sometimes we becomes so attached to worldly things that we almost forget God. Sometimes also we become so hard headed that we used to follow ourselves and setting aside the right and moral thing to do but God is the other way around , He got a soft heart to all of us , and He is always there for us , waiting and waiting . Let us respond to his call , let us listen with our heart and mind .
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
I know many have forgotten God. But there are some who will be forever doing those things that I have listed in my topic and feel that God has not heard them and do react. If prayers are not heard one should understand that God has good reasons. But many go desperate and forever remain in this state. Not many will move on and surrender to the will of God.
@deiusz (193)
• Indonesia
26 Jan 13
God has everything, including ourselves. We as His children must hold all something to Him energetically. He will give His son a request the fullness of his heart and tried with all the power he has because He knows to extent of what our abilities, which He as a Father knows His own child (we are) abilities so ordeal which he gave not to exceed the limits of our ability as a child.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
27 Jan 13
Despite this knowledge there is restlessness and unhappiness. When God is not listening as I have put it what next automatically follows. The answer is surrender.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
26 Jan 13
that is really the case for most of the times i have called unto God. But really during those times that i felt soow... I never lost hope because i know that in my heart i have that grounded in me my trust that God is only preparing something better for me and in time he wil show me the reasons and he wil show me his answer.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
If we place our trust in God surely there should be happiness every where.Then why are most restless and unhappy?
@jirojoyman (458)
• Indonesia
26 Jan 13
god almighty heard. and he heard all of our prayers. god is like the sun and we are a houses. when we build the house back to the sun, then we will not be exposed to sun light.as well as we turn away from god as our prayer are not heared. hold your self to your god by obeying all his orders.by continuing to do good and keep away from evil.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
I do not ask for favours but go about doing what I need to do. But majority I notice approach God for favours.
I am interested to know how you go about interacting with God. Do you ask for anything and if you do not get it what is your reaction. Many who do not get what they want they will wallow in misery instead of making the best of what they have.
@prettysexybrainy (189)
• Philippines
26 Jan 13
God is always there, we just have to have an unshakable faith. Favors, mercy, grace are all in our hands already. It is just that most of us are thinking negatively that drives us disappointments, discouragements and so fort. Be happy of what you have, be thankful of the trials, because God is just preparing you for better situtaion. He gives trial to us in order for us to appreciate what He will give us in the future and also to make us stronger.
@allknowing (135887)
• India
26 Jan 13
Very well said. It is not how much one has but what one makes of what one has is the route to happiness. After all happiness is more important than fulfilling our dreams. The sad part however is that many are unhappy because they are disappointed because God has not heard their prayers leading to restlessness.
So you are in control of yourself and therefore a happy person!