On January 12, 1991 Garth Brooks’ song “Unanswered Prayers” shot to #1 on the country music charts. Now, I am definitely not a country music fan, but I find the story in the lyrics very interesting. Based on a true story in Mr. Brooks’ life, the song tells of the singer and his wife meeting his old high school flame. At the time, he had prayed that he would be with his girlfriend forever, but it had not worked out. Afterwards, he thanks God for not granting that prayer, for he sees his wife as a great blessing. Or as he says, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”
It’s almost a deeply theological song, except the wording isn’t quite right. What Mr. Brooks refers to as “unanswered prayers” is more accurately “un-granted prayers.” God did answer his prayer, but the answer was no. Even when God says no, it’s done out of love. Sometimes what we ask for is not truly beneficial for us. Since God is all-knowing and all-loving we can be sure that when God does say no it’s because He has something even better in mind for you, as the song well exemplifies. Ephesians 3:20 tells us God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.”
Be bold in prayer! God desires to hear and answer. But be humble, don’t presume to tell God what He ought to give you or do for you. One of God’s greatest gifts is answering all prayers – the ones He grants, and even un-granted prayers.
“For we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purposes” (Romans 8:28).
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