A teenage boy, who stated openly that he didn’t believe in God, was asked why. “Our family was going through a very hard time,” he explained, “and I prayed that God would help us—but nothing happened.”

On the other hand, another family with a teenager was in great need. The father had been out of work for more than a year though he was actively seeking employment. His family prayed consistently for a job for him. His teenage daughter discussed the family’s problems with me (Bill Gothard), and I suggested some ideas for employment for her father. She then passed along these ideas to him.

In response, he carefully explained why each suggestion wouldn’t work. The girl’s hopes for a solution vanished. Later that day, she walked out

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