Many people struggle with unanswered prayers, and while Scripture gives several reasons, one that God has been re-emphasising is found in Proverbs 28:9: “God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.” (NLT).
Other translations express it even more strongly: “If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.” (NIV).
To “turn a deaf ear” simply means hearing God but choosing not to listen.
It’s when the Holy Spirit prompts you toward a direction, a decision, an act of obedience, or even away from something harmful and you ignore that nudge.
Often, the issue is not that God hasn’t spoken; it’s that we are reluctant to follow what He has already said. Delayed obedience, selective obedience, or resisting the gentle leading of the Spirit can quietly close doors we are praying for God to open.
God’s instructions are not burdens; they are expressions of His love. Hebrews 12:5–6 reminds us: “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline… For the Lord disciplines those He loves.” Verse 8 goes further to say that God’s correction is proof that we truly belong to Him.
His discipline is a safety net, not a punishment; a sign of His deep desire to shape us, protect us, and keep us aligned with His purpose.
Even Jesus lived entirely submitted to God’s will during His time on earth. He obeyed the Father’s leading in every detail, even when it led to the Cross. If the Son of God embraced obedience, then none of us is exempt.
There is no favouritism or nepotism with God. He responds to obedience, not assumption.
When our hearts are open to God’s instruction, our prayer life strengthens. We begin to pray in alignment with His will, hear Him more clearly, and recognise His hand more easily. God delights in answering the prayers of those who walk with Him, listen to Him, and trust Him enough to obey.
So before assuming heaven is silent, it is worth asking: Have I listened to what God has already said? Because when we respond to His voice, He responds to ours. Obedience keeps the relationship open, the path clear, and our prayers powerful.
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1 thought on “Safety Net”
Thank you Dr. B for sharing this powerful lesson.
May God empower us to live our lives such that we don’t require safety nets and if by being human we fall short and require safety nets may we be discerning enough and obedient enough to take advantage of them.