Here’s Why You Should Thank God For Unanswered Prayers

When was the last time God closed a door for you and you thanked Him? When was the last time that you didn’t get what you wanted; what you thought you needed? Did you thank God then?

Lately I’ve been faced with a lot of closed doors. A lot of things haven’t worked out as planned or as hoped. A lot of things haven’t been in my favor.

I’d walk through one door, only for it to be shut in front of me. All the doors I’ve been trying so eagerly to enter have been closed. I’ve been stuck wondering, “what now?”, “what comes next”?

I’ve spent so much time trying to make things work. Trying to stay. Trying, trying, trying. Hoping, that this time it’ll work out. Praying that this time will be it. This time will be the final time. Please, this time, work.

I’d find myself feeling desperate. Calling out into the night to Him. “God, I know you hear me. I know you’re watching and listening. But why? Why is it every effort I attempt, I fail? Why wasn’t I deserving of that opportunity? Why didn’t they stick around? Why am I still trying and searching? Why hasn’t it worked out for me?”

It’s natural to want to ask God why. To be frustrated and upset with Him. To have a long list of questions and contemplations.

But instead of asking him why, I think we should thank Him. Thank him for all those closed doors. All those decisions He made for you. Thank Him for those things that didn’t work out.

We don’t always see it right then, but those closed doors means He has something better planned. That wasn’t where you needed to be. Those things, that person, that place, they weren’t meant for you.

I’ve always seen closed doors as a missed opportunity, as a, I’m sorry”, maybe next time. I’ve always felt so dissatisfied when things didn’t work out, when I didn’t get what I so desperately thought I wanted.

But now, I’m starting to see the bigger picture. I’m allowing my perspective to change. My grip to loosen up. I needed to see things differently. I realized that those closed doors aren’t missed opportunities. Those closed doors are closed for a reason. They weren’t your doors to walk though.

When the right door comes along, you’ll know it. You’ll feel it in your bones and you’ll be glad that He didn’t let you settle, that He didn’t let you in. You’ll be glad you thanked Him for closing all those doors and leaving the right ones opened.

I still cry out to Him into the night, except this time it sounds different. It sounds like this “God, I know you hear me. I know you’re watching and listening. I know you want what’s best for me. I know you are leading me somewhere. I know you are making all things perfect in your own time. Thank you. Thank you for taking your time with me. Thank you for being patient with me and giving me the strength I need when things aren’t easy. Thank you for not giving me what I wanted, but for giving me the things You know I needed. Thank you for all the closed doors and where they will lead me”.

The next time your plan doesn’t work out or you don’t get what you wanted, thank Him. Remember He closed that door with a purpose and a plan, much, much better.