Lisa Harper's Back Porch Theology artwork

· 54 min· Season 5, episode 251

How to Trust God When Your Prayers Go Unanswered: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

Lisa Harper's Back Porch Theology

About this episode

Today on Back Porch Theology, Lisa, Allison, and Susie Larson dive into First and Second Thessalonians and what it looks like to live with genuine hope when life doesn’t go the way we prayed it would. They explore how the expectation of Jesus’ return should shape the way we live today, why dependence on the Holy Spirit is essential, and how prayer anchors us when suffering, illness, or unanswered questions threaten to steal our hope. If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggle means you’re somehow lacking faith, this conversation is a reminder that weakness and unanswered prayer are not evidence of God’s absence. He is still at work, still faithful, and still writing your story. So pull up a chair and sit with us - we're so glad you're here.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

  • Ephesians 3:20–21
  • Luke 7:37–38 
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1–6
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:7–9
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:13
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8
  • 1 Corinthians 4:20
  • Romans 8:6
  • Ephesians 6:10–18
  • Hebrews 4:12
  • 1 John 3:2
  • Philippians 4:19
  • Hebrews 11:32–40
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20
  • 2 Peter 3:8
  • 1 Peter 1:7
  • Judges 6:14

Reflections