When I want a quick answer to a question, where do I go? GOOGLE! I need to know NOW what's going on. I don’t feel right, I google my symptoms (bad idea). I want to see the meaning of a word, Google. We love fast responses. We like to able able to know here and now the answer to our questions. When I go into prayer, sometimes, I want the same. A fast response. A microwave blessing. Then God goes silent…
The silence of God, I can only describe it as uncomfortable. I don’t have a place to go for an answer. I must sit and patiently wait. During this waiting period, people get frustrated and stray away from God. Either because they feel God is not listening or because they think the answer is NO. I can reassure you that God’s silence not necessarily means No. Before I jump into the conclusion that the answer is No, I tend to believe that I’m not ready yet. I’m not prepared for the blessing I’m asking for, or I’m not prepared to accept the NO without turning my back to God.
Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God already has a plan. Maybe what you are asking for doesn’t fit in that plan, and God is trying to protect you. Trust me; I know how it feels when God says no. I’m not too fond of it. I get angry. I spend a few days playing an inner dialogue with myself about how mad I am. Sometimes I spend days or even weeks upset. Then an event happens, and I’m like: Ohhhhh! Now I understand!
When God goes silent, He is not being mean to you or bluntly ignoring you. Sometimes that silence requires something from us. Maybe it is more intimacy, more prayer time. Perhaps that silence will lead you to see with your own eyes why that situation was better left alone. A blessing given before it time can turn into a curse quick. Maybe you are not quite ready to receive it. That is not a No from God; it is just a WAIT. Other times is a No that we are not prepared to accept yet. We need to mature spiritually to comprehend that a No, allow us to grow. Grow in acceptance of God’s will. Accept that not everything is beneficial for our lives. That not everything that looks good, really is.
Next time God goes quiet, do the same. Quiet yourself and listen to his voice. Maybe He is trying to talk to you, but your mind is so busy and focused on what you want, that you have not been paying attention. Be prepared for whatever that answer might be. If his answer is yes, be grateful. If the answer is no, be wise enough to accept that God is sovereign, that He had a plan for you even before you were born. Ecclesiastes 3: 11 says: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Read that again—his time, not yours. Don’t get the idea that God is there to grant you all the things you desire. He is our Father, and like we do with our kids, He will do the same to protect us.
Our minds can't comprehend the greatness and goodness of God. Learn to trust Him in all He does. He will give you those blessings intended for you and protect you from those that will cause pain in the long run. I rather deal with a No now than with a life of heartaches and regrets. He knows what He is doing. Rest on that truth and be still.
Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
