You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it: when you pray, there’s a time factor as to when the answer comes! BUT – is that what God says in His Word?
Let’s look at some scriptures:
2 Chronicles 16:9a (KJV) 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Jeremiah 1:12 (AMP) 12 Then said the Lord to me, You have seen well, for I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it.
1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
God wants to show Himself strong on our behalf – those who are committed to Him. In other words, God wants to show off to us!
However, many Christians are content to just wait on God! What that means is that they don’t really expect an answer to their prayers and they need some excuse as to why they don’t have the answer.
Let’s look at salvation. Is there a time factor to when you hear the Word of salvation and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and really getting saved? No, of course not. Why? Because it’s a done deal. Jesus already paid the price for your salvation and now you just have to receive it – instantly!
Next, let’s take healing and see how the time factor fits in. Can you expect instant results when you pray for healing? Yes! But do you always get it? No! Why?
First of all, healing is a done deal, the same as salvation, because Jesus bought it at the same time.
1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
However, we don’t always see instant manifestation for a number of reasons.
Mark 16:18 (KJV) 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
There can be a recovery period and that takes time. It doesn’t have to be a long time. And even though it might not look like you’re healed, remember healing comes from the inside out – just like the fig tree that dried up at the roots. It wasn’t noticeable until the next day [Mark 11:12-14, 20-21].
But more than that, I believe that much of the time it is the receiver’s fault that holds up the healing manifestation. Many people don’t really believe for instant manifestation because they have been programmed by tradition to believe that it’s not always God’s will to heal every time. That will definitely hinder your healing!
Then there’s finances. And yes, here is where the time factor applies because it’s not just the pray-er who’s involved but other people. And that can take time.
Summing it all up, yes there can be a time factor involved in getting your prayers answered but not for the promises that God has already given – salvation, healing, protection, good health, etc. But when other people are involved in your answer, there can be a time factor. Don’t confuse the two or you will be hopelessly confused when you pray!
Pray God’s promises in faith and expect His power to manifest!
2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2 Peter 1:3 (KJV) 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
— Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 