Comment:  Some ask why did God not avert the evil that befell them or could it be that the worshipper was not given to prayer? This question comes up sometimes when some consider the many evil things that at times befall the worshippers of God in this present life. The truth is that prayer, despite its force and potency cannot change the will of God.  This is so because the omniscient God, knowing the end from the beginning (Acts 15:18) allows trials to meet His worshippers as a test of their faith and for their own spiritual growth.  Jesus Christ, towards the close of his earthly ministry prayed to God to let the cup (suffering and death) pass from him if it is His (God’s) will. He stated thus: “…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt… O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matthew 26:39, 42)  It was necessary for Jesus Christ to drink that cup of dying for the sins of mankind.  We should pray God to keep us in the hour of temptation so that in the end we shall come forth as gold by His grace. – Job 23:10-12.