Rebutting the “buts” with “But … God!”

What if prayer doesn’t seem to be working for you? Whether you’re a longtime pray-er or just starting to wrap your mind around how prayer can be effective in resolving challenges, is there a way to persistently meet the doubts that come, such as “But is this really going to work?” Or, “But what if it doesn’t work this time?” Or even, “But why does it seem harder than it used to?” 

When I read the Bible, I notice some doubts and questions even from those witnessing Christ Jesus’ healing works. He certainly experienced pushback from those who doubted that he could have healed a man born blind (see John, chapter 9). After Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, Lazarus’ sisters were definitely shaky in their expectation that Jesus could raise someone who had been buried in a tomb for four days (see John 11:1–46). 

And Jesus’ disciples were doubtful when, in a panic, they woke their Master up because a storm on the Galilean Sea was threatening to capsize their boat (see Mark 4:35–41). As I reread that story, I can almost feel the loving rebuke in his words when, after stilling the waves, he says to them: “Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?” (Good News Translation).