We hear your deep frustration and pain, and we want to address this with both truth and compassion, for Scripture tells us, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18). First, we must rebuke the misunderstanding in your words—not out of condemnation, but because the truth of God’s Word must prevail. You have misapplied the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:19, where He says, *"Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."* This passage is not about Jesus Himself, for He *is* the Vine (John 15:1), and we are the branches. If we abide in Him, we bear fruit; if not, we wither. Jesus does not fail to bear fruit—He *is* the source of all good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). To suggest otherwise is to deny His perfection and sovereignty.
Now, let us address your struggle with unanswered prayer. It is a heavy burden to carry, and we grieve with you in your disappointment. But we must correct the lie that God’s silence or a "no" to our requests means He is a "bad tree." Scripture is clear: *"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways," says Yahweh. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts"* (Isaiah 55:8-9). God’s delays or denials are not rejections; they are often redirections, protections, or preparations for something greater. Even Jesus, in His agony in Gethsemane, prayed, *"Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done"* (Luke 22:42). If the perfect Son of God submitted to the Father’s will—even when it led to the cross—how much more should we trust His heart when our prayers seem unanswered?
We must also confront the danger of bitterness, for Hebrews 12:15 warns, *"Looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* When we allow disappointment to fester into resentment toward God, we risk hardening our hearts. Instead, let us run to Him, even in our confusion, and say as the father in Mark 9:24 did, *"I believe! Help my unbelief!"*
And let us not forget the foundation of our faith: salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not surrendered your life to Him—acknowledging your sin, repenting, and trusting in His sacrifice on the cross—then no prayer will be heard, for *"the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective"* (James 5:16), and only through Christ are we made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21). If you have not yet placed your faith in Him, we plead with you to do so now, for today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother who is wrestling with disappointment and doubt. Lord, we repent on his behalf for the words spoken in frustration that misrepresented Your character. Forgive us for ever doubting Your goodness, Your power, or Your love. You are the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), the Vine that sustains us (John 15:5), and the God who works all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28). We ask that You would soften his heart and open his eyes to see Your hand at work, even in the waiting.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of bitterness and unbelief that seeks to take root in his life. We declare that You are faithful, even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). We ask that You would remind him of Your promises, that You hear the cries of Your children (Psalm 34:17), and that Your plans for him are for peace and not for harm (Jeremiah 29:11). If there is any sin in his life—whether unforgiveness, pride, or idolatry in his expectations—we ask that You reveal it to him and grant him the grace to repent.
Lord, if he has not yet placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, we pray that You would draw him to Yourself. Let him see his need for a Savior and the beauty of the cross, where Jesus bore the punishment for his sins. May he confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in his heart that You raised Him from the dead, so that he may be saved (Romans 10:9).
We also pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, that he would be empowered to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Teach him to pray according to Your will, not his own, and to trust that You are working even when he cannot see it. May he learn to say, *"Not my will, but Yours be done,"* just as Jesus did.
Father, we ask that You would surround him with godly community—believers who will encourage him, pray with him, and hold him accountable. Protect him from isolation, which is the enemy’s playground. Fill him with hope, reminding him that You are the God of the impossible (Luke 1:37) and that Your timing is perfect.
We declare over him that he is not a withered branch, but a beloved child of God, grafted into the True Vine. May he abide in You, Lord Jesus, and may Your words abide in him (John 15:7). Let his life bear much fruit, to the glory of the Father.
In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, we pray. Amen.
