A Problem with Prayer – Can You Answer This?

I posted the following problem on my Facebook wall. If you don’t have an answer to it, please share the link to this post with someone whom you regard to have a deep spiritual walk and insight into the Scriptures and kindly ask them to post their answer in the comments. It would surely benefit the body of Christ.

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Very often in the experience of a believer, God answers a prayer *temporarily*. Then the answer is overturned. Examples. A friend has cancer. Prayers are offered. The cancer disappears. Four months later it returns. Did God answer the prayer? What’s happening there?

A teen encounters a bully. Prayers are offered. Circumstances occur and the bully stops harassing the teen. Two months later, the bully begins again. Did God answer the prayer? What’s happening here?

I’ve yet to see anyone articulate such experiences in a clear, compelling way. But this kind of thing often happens to God’s people and the result is that their faith is hindered. I’m wondering if any of you have grappled with this issue and have wisdom and insight into it.

Thanks.