We all have prayers that we want God to answer just as we want it to happen – be it a personal or familial prayer. But what if God did not answer the way we expected it? How will we respond?

While I was ministering earlier this year, I received a message from my sister. It was also when our family was going through a challenge which didn’t sink in to me at first. My brother just committed suicide. I remember how I’ve been praying for my brother to come and accept the Lord for a very long time. But it did not happen the way I prayed for. My mind searched for answers to seemingly unanswerable questions. Until the Lord spoke to me through His words.

“Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You” – Psalm 63:3

At first, I did not understand it but I know God comforted me with these words. I was reminded of everything He did in my life. This unexpected moment may have been very heart breaking for us, but true enough, His unfailing love has been keeping me from all of my doubts. And while I was facing this painful and difficult time, I whispered to God, “Sige Lord, kahit masakit, kahit hindi ko maintindihan magpupuri ako. Turuan mo po akong magpuri sa’Yo”. I attended ExCEL Service and chose to pray and worship Him. I lifted every pain and doubt in my heart and started trusting Him once again.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” – Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

Witnessing how God turned that ugly moment into something beautiful, I realized that God can really turn mourning into gladness, from sorrow into joy and from evil to good. I also saw how my family became closer to one another and learned to appreciate the love of people around me.

“But me, I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.” – Micah 7:7 MSG

No matter what answer God has for your prayers, I pray that you will still choose to praise and worship Him. And if He delays it, I encourage you to seek Him more and wait for His perfect timing. “Pray continually” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The Lord prepared something beautiful for your life because He loves you so much and He only wants the best for you!