In the last post, I talked about how we should come to God with our prayers. And how He is a good Father!

What do we do when it seems to take very, very long for the answer to come?
It can depend on the situation.

I think grief is only natural and necessary.

But I am also thinking lately, what shall I do with my unanswered prayer, my disappointment, with this grief? For me, at this moment, this is primarily my disappointment at waiting for what feels like a very long time to find my mate and get married, and for the children that have not yet come (and may perhaps never will, though I think God will answer this prayer).

It says that those who sow with tears will reap with joy: Psalm 126:5-6

When I am tired of waiting, what do I do? How can I use this time?

Perhaps I can read my Bible and learn more about God.

Perhaps, I can pray for people who are more in need than I am, like Christians across the globe who are suffering.

I can thank God for what He has already given, and for His provision in this present moment to carry me through.

I can love those around me, and truly appreciate the gift I have been given in them.

And then, by sowing my tears, and investing my grief into something greater than myself, and giving this too, to God, let Him make something beautiful out of it.

He is the one who makes everything work out for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Henri Nouwen says a lot of beautiful things about suffering, like the following:

“Suffering invites us to place our hurts in larger hands. In Christ we see God suffering – for us. And calling us to share in God’s suffering love for a hurting world. The small and even overpowering pains of our lives are intimately connected with the greater pains of Christ. Our daily sorrows are anchored in a greater sorrow and therefore a larger hope.”