He certainly answers their prayers, but he would not give all that they ask for.

Paul had a severe physical ailment that kept buffeting him as a messenger of Satan throughout his life. He prayed to God about it three times that the ailment would depart from him. There was an answer from the Lord but not the one Paul anticipated, wanted or wished.

Paul also understood that there were valid reasons why God did not remove this ailment from him – (1) lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me and (2) lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations – 2 Cor 12:6.

And we must thank God for God not answering Pauls prayer the way Paul liked – he left behind a verse inspired by the Holy Spirit that has consoled, encouraged and built up believers in their faith over the centuries. “My grace is sufficient for you. For, My strength is perfected in weakness” – 2 Cor 12:9.