They could barely whisper a prayer.  Inwardly they felt like a woman with child, about to give birth, writhing and crying out in pain.  In the midst of their agony they anticipated an answer from God, but all they got, described in the taunting words of verse 18, “We gave birth to wind.” 

For many, their prayers might be described that way.  If they pray for individuals to experience spiritual salvation it’s even more tragic.  Verse 18 ends, “We have not brought salvation to the earth; we have not given birth to people of the world.”  Do you feel like that sometimes?  Well, listen to what the prophet says in verses 19-21, “But your dead will live; their bodies will rise.  You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy.  Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.  Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.  See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling…” 

We’re often too anxious to see the results of our prayers.  God knows what’s going on and when it’s best to answer.  When He does, you’ll understand.  Get alone, shut the doors behind you and hide.  Wait for God to do His thing in His time and in His way.