From the prophet Malachi until John the Baptist - 400 years of silence, 400 years of waiting, 400 years of questions!  You are not alone when God seems silent.  You are not alone when you ask the question - “God, are you there?!”  If we are honest, we have all had those moments, or will.  But you’re in good company.  Look at the life of Joseph, sold into slavery by jealous brothers.  Look at Sarai and Abram, Job, Moses.  Even Jesus Himself, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?  Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning? (Psalm 22)

Why does God seem silent during difficult times?  Why does God seem so far away at times?  Why do prayers seem to go unanswered?  These kind of thoughts and feelings can destroy a persons heart and faith.  The key word is “seems.”  Our perceived perception of God being silent, is actually often times when God is at work - even in those moments of despair and doubt.  Even those periods of life when we pray and God doesn’t seem to be listening.  God has given us many accounts in the Bible as a testimony to His faithfulness to His people.  We get to read their stories as an encouragement and example to us.  Did Jesus not promise “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee!?”  Jesus in His parable of the persistent widow reminds us “that we always ought to pray and not lose heart!

(cf. Luke 18)  Habakkuk reminds us “though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come.” (2: 2-3)  The enemy of your soul wants you to be discouraged, wants you to give up and doubt God’s love for you.  But, the lover of your soul, Jesus, desires you to persevere - to never give up!  Yes, be honest with God and how you are feeling - God can handle it.  But do not let it discourage you in your journey of faith and walk with Jesus.

“Pray and do not lose heart!”

“Great is Your faithfulness.  The LORD is my portion, say my soul, therefore I hope in Him!” (Lamentations 3:21-24)

Pastor Rodney