But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors?

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Riekertlily

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So I'm still new to this all. But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors? Why does it not work. Why does nothing happen. Why does my mom not stop drinking. Why does nothing happen? Why? It's like you alone in a room and nobody is there but people tell you everyone is there and listening but you know you are alone and there are no doors in the room.
 

Willie T

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Are we going to carry this to the point of only praying to be fed and clothed, and not work for our needs? Pray for a house, AND get a job so you can afford one. Pray not to be hungry, AND feed yourself a meal. Pray for healing AND visit a doctor.
 

amadeus

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So I'm still new to this all. But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors? Why does it not work. Why does nothing happen. Why does my mom not stop drinking. Why does nothing happen? Why? It's like you alone in a room and nobody is there but people tell you everyone is there and listening but you know you are alone and there are no doors in the room.
Where is our emphasis? This natural life of the flesh given to each us is at best short. While we may enjoy it at times for a season, is that the reason God put us here? Is physical health in this time for ourselves or others the most important thing to us? If it is then we need to look to God for a better answer than that:

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." I Cor 15:19

"Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:2-3


Asking that a person be delivered from an disabling or distracting or painful addiction would be it seems a good thing, but your prayers for another person may only open that person's heart... not make that person's decisions. God will not force His will on anyone. What He will do according the prayers of a righteous person is let the person see that there is a better Way but the choice remains with the person. We never lose our ability to make our own decisions. Another person's desires and even God' will cannot change that. God gave us that choice, and it will remain with each of us while we have the time allotted to each of us by Him. Then what happens from that point is directly dependent on what we have done with what we have been given. We are given time, and abilities [or not], and education [or not] and money [or not], etc.

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

It availeth much but again what is the much? God will make a person see what his choices really are, but even when the person sees the truth the decision remains his. People from the beginning while seeing the truth have gone their own way anyway. Essentially people have not changed... unless each one as an individual has chosen to follow God.

So don't stop praying for your mother or others, but remember when you have really prayed that fervent righteous prayer and have not seen the results you might like to see don't put the blame on God. Remember that His purpose is not equal to our purpose... unless and until we are exactly like Him.
 
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brakelite

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Have you considered that there are times when the doctor is the answer to your prayer? As to why your mum is drinking. I don't know. But what I can say is that God is the reason I am not drinking. Take what you will from that.
 

ScottA

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So I'm still new to this all. But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors? Why does it not work. Why does nothing happen. Why does my mom not stop drinking. Why does nothing happen? Why? It's like you alone in a room and nobody is there but people tell you everyone is there and listening but you know you are alone and there are no doors in the room.
Hi Riekertlily, and welcome!

The world is not really about what "works."

It's about us being us. History is His story (God's). In other words, when God says "I am", He has revealed who He is. But for us, who we are is still being revealed over the course of our lives. That is why it is important to decide where you stand, what you do and do not believe - because it establishes who and what we shall be for eternity: Take away all the passing sorrows and in the end we too will say "I am"...and what we have done with our life will be shining like a neon sign for eternity.

The good news of the saving grace of Jesus, the Son of God, is that if we receive Him in life, all the bad is washed away and all the good that we have gained in Christ remains.

So...doctors, sickness, and a lifetime of needs and shortcomings are just the things that show who we are and how we deal with things, and ultimately who we become. We are not just a product of our environment - but a product of our decisions. But this, this is all temporary.
 
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VictoryinJesus

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So I'm still new to this all. But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors? Why does it not work. Why does nothing happen. Why does my mom not stop drinking. Why does nothing happen? Why? It's like you alone in a room and nobody is there but people tell you everyone is there and listening but you know you are alone and there are no doors in the room.

Prayer does work. If your age is correct on your profile, then you are only two years older than my grandson. My step-Father drank heavily and was very abusive. My mother brought man after man into our lives and not once did she ever seem to look out for us or attend to our needs. Instead it was as if she couldn’t see what these men did to us. Later in life I found out the man I was told was my father...wasn’t my father. I can relate to feeling abandoned and as if no one is there or hears your cry. My grandson was abandoned by his mother (my daughter) when he was five and even though his father was there ...he wasn’t. Both suffered drug addiction and my grandson became invisible. A year and a half ago his father died of an overdose and I stood by as grandson said a final goodbye...at age eleven. I can honestly tell you today that what I went through as a child...God has used for good. It hurts even worse watching my grandson suffer the same feeling of abandonment. But I trust God over His life to draw him when he is ready. No matter what they say or genuinely want to do...people often fail. My prayer has been for all of my grandchildren to learn to trust God and only God since He doesn’t fail. Sometimes that happens through pain. You are young...I know it hurts and aches deep down inside. Others may say otherwise but this ache you feel for something real that no one around you seems to notice...is the hunger that will drive you to the One which doesn’t fail. Don’t forget God also loves your mother. I prayed for my daughter to get clean and off drugs. It took eight years. It was between her and God. He was there working in her life even when she cut us out and disappeared. I’m sure He is working in your mothers life too.

Don’t give up but do realize you can’t fix anyone...only God can. Give Him the weight upon your shoulders that it is all up to and dependent upon you. Your mother, I’m sure, went through disappointment in others as a child also that has nothing to do with her love for you. We all have wounds but He can heal them.
 

Riekertlily

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But if he is so strong and he made everything why cant he do just a little thing and take the stuff she drinks away. i know why my dad goes away and doesnt come back for a long time. but if he takes the drinks away everything will be ok, and then my grandad doesnt have to look after me. So you see its easy. its just one thing. one small thing. im just asking for one small thing. all the other things can stay, i can live with them.
 

Stranger

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But if he is so strong and he made everything why cant he do just a little thing and take the stuff she drinks away. i know why my dad goes away and doesnt come back for a long time. but if he takes the drinks away everything will be ok, and then my grandad doesnt have to look after me. So you see its easy. its just one thing. one small thing. im just asking for one small thing. all the other things can stay, i can live with them.

God can do exactly as you wish. He has all the power to do that. You see all of the problem as 'one small thing'. But it is never just one thing. God sees not only the one thing, but everything connected to it. God can, but seldom does, change our outward trials. Instead He will use these to drive you closer to Jesus Christ.

More often than not He uses these to change you all the while providing a refuge for you. (1 Cor. 10:13) "...but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Read of Joseph, or Daniel, or even Jesus Christ.

I see you are 'other faith', do you mind my asking what faith?

Stranger
 
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Riekertlily

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Stranger I dont have a church that i go to. Ive been to one with paul our youth minister that comes to school sometimes. but he cant always fetch me. If my dads here he cant. Grandad won't take me he's an atheist. My dad too. So when i do go to church i sneak in with paul .
 

Stranger

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Stranger I dont have a church that i go to. Ive been to one with paul our youth minister that comes to school sometimes. but he cant always fetch me. If my dads here he cant. Grandad won't take me he's an atheist. My dad too. So when i do go to church i sneak in with paul .

At your age it is important that you are obedient to your parents and grandparents unless any form of abuse takes place. God is always where you are, not just at church. Are you allowed to have a Bible, and do you have one? Have you ever considered accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? (John 3:16)

Stranger
 

Riekertlily

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We don't have bibles in the house...my dad hates it. i am obedient. i never complain.
 

Riekertlily

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What is your view of the Bible? Of Jesus Christ?

Stranger
I only heard it from school and meetings there and what paul said. so i dont know much. but i hoped he can help me. i listened in the church a lot so yeah.
 

Stranger

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I only heard it from school and meetings there and what paul said. so i dont know much. but i hoped he can help me. i listened in the church a lot so yeah.

If you are interested, obtain a Bible. Read the Gospel of John, fourth book in the New Testament. The Bible is the Word of God. It is God speaking to you. If you are interested, pray to God to help you to know Him, and I am sure others will be praying for you also. And, as I said earlier, consider Jesus Christ, and accept Him as your Lord and Saviour.

Stranger
 
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Stranger

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And will the answer to my question be in there?

By 'in there' I don't know if you mean the Gospel of John or the Bible. My answer to you was in post #8 which comes from my understanding of the Bible coupled with my experience as a believer in Christ.

If you yourself do not believe in God, or Jesus Christ, then I doubt you will find anything in the Bible worthwhile, much less an answer to your question.

God is concerned over you and your situation. But, He is more concerned over your salvation. When you accept Christ your spirit is born-again by the Holy Spirit of God and you are made alive to God. Your sins are all paid for. Communication now exists between you and God. You go to him in prayer and He speaks to you through His Word, the Bible.

This is why I encourage you to read the Gospel of John, if you have any interest in that direction.

Stranger
 
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Heart2Soul

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So I'm still new to this all. But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors? Why does it not work. Why does nothing happen. Why does my mom not stop drinking. Why does nothing happen? Why? It's like you alone in a room and nobody is there but people tell you everyone is there and listening but you know you are alone and there are no doors in the room.
Do you have any help groups in your area such as Al-Anon or Alateen? I encourage you to contact them if you can and they can give you answers and support.
Teen Corner (Alateen) | Al-Anon Family Groups
Prayer works but just not always in our timing or in our thinking.
 
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bbyrd009

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And will the answer to my question be in there?
if you read for yourself and don't let anyone help you, sure.
Stay away from religious ppl at all costs imo, anyone telling you that the Bible is Word, or that the Bible is Holy, etc
these are the blind leading the blind in Scripture
 
D

Dave L

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So I'm still new to this all. But if prayer works then there is no need for doctors? Why does it not work. Why does nothing happen. Why does my mom not stop drinking. Why does nothing happen? Why? It's like you alone in a room and nobody is there but people tell you everyone is there and listening but you know you are alone and there are no doors in the room.
You can pray for people with addiction problems and then see them worsening. Does this mean God isn't answering your prayer? No, it is common knowledge that unless a person bottoms out and reaches the end of themselves, they cannot become clean and sober. SO God often delivers people after they reach this pathetic stage of self realization and need for his help.

Doctors are a gift from God since he withdrew the Apostles with their healing signs and wonders. Timothy used stomach medicine while Paul was with him. As the gifts were being withdrawn at this time. But we should always pray for healing and not limit God who heals through the prayer of faith either with or without Doctors and medicine.
 

Pisteuo

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Riekertlily, I would say in answering the OP that we must remember that Gods ways are not our ways. We rightfully pray for Gods will to be done in our lives. But when things go array we assume His will isn't being done usually because His will didn't meet our expectations and desires. But those are OUR will, not His. My belief is that we are to have faith that His will is being done if that is your prayer and if it doesn't meet your expectations, then those expectations are misguided or off, not God. Knowledge, wisdom, and understanding help you see more clearly how God is working and aligns one closer to desiring the will of God in their life, rather than your own will for a certain outcome. I guess I'm trying to say that understanding His will is paramount when looking for answered prayers. I've prayed for many things that seemed to me would be what God would want for the situation, too. Only to feel emptied and alone in the end. But I know now that it wasn't in His will, that He is perfect and sees all things perfectly and believe that I needed that test of faith to grow in knowledge of Him.

Pro 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Pro 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
And, Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

don't give up...believe.
 
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