Second Corinthians 4:18 says, “Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen, for the things that are visible are temporal, brief, and fleeting, but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.” (Amplified Bible)

I’ve been thinking on this scripture lately, oddly enough as a result of watching sporting events. The high school my kids attend had a thrilling basketball game that went into double overtime. Unfortunately, though they fought a valiant effort, the Grace Cougars wound up losing by two points. But I noticed as I sat in the stands there were people on both sides obviously deep in prayer that their side would win. Then I watched a thrilling football game between the Patriots and the Colts, and I noticed Peyton Manning on the sidelines obviously in prayer as his team went on to win the game. I realized at that moment that God could not answer the prayers of both teams. There were opposing and competing prayers, and both teams simply could not win—even God could not answer conflicting prayers (at least not in the manner both sides desired). One team would win, and one team would lose.

I thought then of more difficult prayers that were seemingly not answered. And I thought about my friend, Reich, about whom I have written on this blog. Hundreds and thousands of prayers were lifted up on his behalf that seemingly were not answered.

One of the central tenets of Christianity is that there is more to this universe than what meets the eye. This world, these dimensions, and time are just a part of God’s creation. There are other spiritual realms that are just as real, yet unseen without the eyes of faith. One of the physical properties that tantalizes us with the notion of other realms is the existence of antimatter. Comets are thought to display antimatter as they absorb energy from the sun. And they look strangely like a flame, but they are not really burning! Sound familiar? Yes, there is evidence of more to this universe than we can simply see, touch, feel, taste, or hear. This is one of the central tenets of the Bible and I think the basis for the perplexing problem of unanswered prayer. Let me know your thoughts.