When God Doesn’t Answer The Way I Want Him To Series Part II: Answer You Didn't Expect
Romans 8:31: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Opening Thought:
Paul prayed three times for God to remove his thorn — but God said, “My
grace is sufficient for thee.” Sometimes, grace is the answer.
1. God’s Grace Is Greater Than Your Thorn
We all have “thorns” — things we wish God would remove. But God knows
that some thorns keep us humble, dependent, and anchored in faith.
Modern Illustration: A woman prayed for healing from a chronic illness.
Instead of immediate healing, God gave her strength to inspire others who
were suffering. Her story became her ministry.
2. The Answer You Didn’t Expect Can Be the Blessing You Need
When God doesn’t give what you asked for, He’ll give you what you need to
survive what you’re going through.
Example: The Hebrew boys weren’t delivered from the fire — they were
delivered in the fire. Sometimes God meets us in the middle instead of taking
us out.
3. Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness
Your endurance through unanswered prayers becomes your testimony. God
wants to show His power through your weakness.
Key Declaration: “I may not have what I wanted, but I have what I need — His
grace!”
Closing Exhortation:
Don’t quit because the answer looks different than you expected. Grace is
proof that God’s still working, even when He doesn’t change your situation.
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Opening Thought:
Paul prayed three times for God to remove his thorn — but God said, “My
grace is sufficient for thee.” Sometimes, grace is the answer.
1. God’s Grace Is Greater Than Your Thorn
We all have “thorns” — things we wish God would remove. But God knows
that some thorns keep us humble, dependent, and anchored in faith.
Modern Illustration: A woman prayed for healing from a chronic illness.
Instead of immediate healing, God gave her strength to inspire others who
were suffering. Her story became her ministry.
2. The Answer You Didn’t Expect Can Be the Blessing You Need
When God doesn’t give what you asked for, He’ll give you what you need to
survive what you’re going through.
Example: The Hebrew boys weren’t delivered from the fire — they were
delivered in the fire. Sometimes God meets us in the middle instead of taking
us out.
3. Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness
Your endurance through unanswered prayers becomes your testimony. God
wants to show His power through your weakness.
Key Declaration: “I may not have what I wanted, but I have what I need — His
grace!”
Closing Exhortation:
Don’t quit because the answer looks different than you expected. Grace is
proof that God’s still working, even when He doesn’t change your situation.
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