What happens when you believe God for a miracle that doesn't come? When prayers seem to fall on deaf ears? This raw, honest exploration of faith beyond answered prayers challenges our fundamental understanding of why we pray in the first place.

We often approach prayer like a transaction – making our requests and expecting God to deliver exactly what we've asked for. But what if the purpose of prayer isn't primarily about getting what we want? What if it's about developing a relationship with God that transforms us, regardless of outcomes?

The sermon introduces a simple but powerful daily practice called the "17 Challenge" – five minutes in prayer, five minutes in worship, five minutes reading Scripture, one small act of faith, and inviting one person to church. These seemingly insignificant disciplines exemplify a spiritual principle woven throughout Scripture: God consistently uses small beginnings to accomplish His greatest works. From David's smooth stones to the widow's mites to the hem of Jesus's garment, the little things in God's hands become powerful beyond measure.

Through personal stories of parental illness and suffering, the message illustrates how God sometimes works through difficult circumstances rather than removing them. We're invited to examine potential barriers to answered prayer – broken relationships, wrong motives, or weak faith – while recognizing that God's greater purposes often transcend our immediate desires.

The apostle Paul's experience with his "thorn in the flesh" serves as a powerful example. Despite his extraordinary ministry and spiritual authority, he received the answer: "My grace is sufficient for you." Yet Paul didn't allow circumstances to manipulate his faith – he continued serving regardless of personal comfort.

Join us as we discover how to declare with confidence: "I believe God can, I believe God will, and even if He doesn't, I still believe." Text 94000 today to connect with our church family and begin your journey toward a deeper, more resilient faith.

Support the show