Why didn’t you answer my prayer? I asked God this week. Then I realized He did answer my prayer. He said no.

No is a very hard answer to receive from God. But I found some comfort from the words of St. Augustine in his work City of God, as he wrangles with the subject of prosperity and adversity. Why do followers of Christ suffer? Why does God not grant the answers that we hope and pray for? Why do horrible and unfair things happen to sincere, devout Christians?

Augustine challenges us to look at this question from a different perspective: What if Christians always received the earthly things they prayed for? What if only good came their way and life was one perfect, smooth-sailing ride? 

Augustine asserts that if that was the case, God would only be served based on the gifts He gave his followers. Following God would not be done out of genuine love, but rather out of greed. 

The truth is that adversity comes upon everyone—the righteous and unrighteous alike. We all face the same kind of troubles; we all experience life not going our way. The difference is not THAT we suffer, but HOW we suffer. 

Those who trust in Christ will actually grow stronger and become closer to God in the tough things they face. They will find it within themselves to praise and pray even in the midst of frustrating situations. But hard times will beat down and crush the wicked; they will curse and turn from God. As Augustine puts it, “For in the same fire, gold gleams and straw smokes…The same shaking that makes fetid water stink makes perfume issue a more pleasant odor.”

God, sometimes I struggle when my prayers are not answered the way I hoped. But I will not allow my circumstances to dictate my faith in You and Your promises. I will continue to trust You. I will continue to praise You. Refine me and use me for Your glory.