At a point in our lives, we’ve all been through this phase, or perhaps, we’re presently in this phase; when it seems God isn’t responding or even listening. I’ve sat down to listen to a few people talk about this; in addition to the fact that there has been no answer for them.
In this article, I would be picking a few points from one of my previous article GOD’S TIMING as they come hand in hand.
Silence is very important to God; it is one of God’s greatest strategy, and is very good for us. But it is difficult for we humans to understand and adapt to it. As a believer, when you don’t hear from God, it doesn’t mean He stopped caring, it doesn’t mean you’re doing or have done something wrong. It also doesn’t mean you’re living in sin or He’s doing nothing concerning your life.
Don’t measure God’s presence in your life by your feelings or circumstances, but rather by His Word.
When things are going well and good, doesn’t always mean God is present and the same goes the other way round.
God’s silence could be:
- A way of teaching us to trust Him
- His Timing.
Let me take you to the book of Psalm 13:1&2 (KJV) these verses shows us how David had cried to God in anguish.
1. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? For ever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2. How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
Let’s not forget that David was a man whom God called “A man after my own heart” but still David was faced with this same situation; and despite of his repeated prayers, God wasn’t responding.
But verse 5 brought me to the understanding that most times, God’s silence is a way of teaching us to trust Him.
5. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Trust God by His Word. God says in His Word that He’ll never forsake us.
In most occasions, when God seems silent is in the time of intense trial, or a time when we await an answer. This sometimes, make us feel like God is moving slowly. But then we forget all about God’s timing. Not your time but His.
In psalm 46:10 (KJV) it says “BE STILL; and know that I am God”. God is telling you to trust Him and be patient. Wait for His timing; you would see victory.
There was a time in my life, I wanted to start my life afresh. I was ready to fully submit to God’s will. And then I communed with Him for three days(if not more) and cried to God asking Him to show me His purpose for my life. I was ready to obey and follow. But my dear, there was no response. No revelations, no voice, nothing! nothing!! nothing!!!.
I remembered God’s word, and so I became still. Being still doesn’t mean you have to stop seeking God. It means to just wait on Him. And in the process of waiting, it’s not easy! Don’t let anyone tell you it is. In that waiting process, you would cry…but it’s okay. But during this process, I had so many thoughts running through my mind of what God felt about me at that moment. Was it too late? Is He disappointed? And so many thoughts like that.
Nevertheless, I continued reading the bible and praying. But in these times, I followed God’s track record and got to understand this part of Him. And so it was much easier to wait on Him. And by the time God would respond, four(4) months had gone by.
Just because God is silent, doesn’t mean He’s not listening. Sometimes, some of us even put words in God’s mouth. My dear, God didnt say anything, just be still. Even when He’s silent; He’s present and very much active. The result after God’s silence is worth it and is very best for you.
We also remember the story of Lazarus in the book of John 11
When Mary and Martha sent for Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick, Jesus was silent; even to the point where Lazarus had died from the sickness and had been laid in the grave for four(4) days.
Let’s not forget that Mary, Martha and Lazarus were friends of Jesus, He loved them dearly.
Jesus was aware of this situation, but He chose to be silent. Who would ever believe at that time, that Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead.
And when Jesus got to Bethany, Mary was weeping inside, but Martha ran to meet Jesus outside and confronted Him. But what gave me chills was the fact that she believed in Him even when Lazarus was dead, and the miraculous happened. And this was the same thing David did. He cried out to God in anguish at first; but still he had trust in Him.
In the time of trial, sometimes, God allows our situation to go from bad to worse, and we believe He is not aware or He doesn’t care. But God is very much aware, and His silence is best for us, because the result thereafter would bring great joy to us and greater glory to God’s name.
God’s silence can also be due to the fact that we do not pray the right way.
Most times, our prayers should be targeted at bringing glory to God’s name.
We all remember the story of Hannah. Hannah had been looking for the fruit of the womb for a long time. During these times, Hannah would cry out to God in prayers because of how her adversary provoked her sore but God didn’t respond to Hannah. Until a faithful day, when Hannah prayed to God that if He gave her a child, the child would serve God all the days of his life. And God answered Hannah and gave her Samuel. We all know the great works Samuel did that brought glory to God’s name.
Now, with all these I’ve written down, these points are meant for those who have a relationship with God.
But if you’re the type of believer that sees God as 911, He just might be silent because He wants you to have a relationship with Him first. Calling on God whenever you’re in trouble or in need of something always; breaks God’s heart. If He has been answering your call whenever you call on Him before, a day will surely come when God will not pick up that call. Not because He hates you…no! He loves you, and because He loves you, He wants a relationship with you.
Having read the summarized story of Lazarus I wrote earlier, you would see that it was because Martha had a relationship with Jesus, she trusted Him; she had faith in Him that He would turn the situation around. It was like a test of faith. And faith is one of God’s Languages.
I pray for you in the name of Jesus; even in the time of intense trial, may you have a steadfast and unrelenting belief in God.
GOD BLESS YOU
#REACHINGOUTTOSOULS
