The Silence of God

As a Christian, the worst moments in life are often when we feel that God is not listening to us, or when we feel that God has abandoned us. We can feel totally elated one day- and the next feel as though a mountain has crashed on top of us. Whats worse though than actually getting run down by these boulders- is to feel as though no one can hear your cries for help.
There are many instances where Christ in the gospels was silent or unattainable for reasons they could not see at the time
The first I'd like to point out is John chapter 11- the death and Resurrection of Lazarus
Its amazing how much of the chapter this story takes- its split into two sections first off the actual death of Lazarus, which we did not see and finally the restoring of his body and his sisters' faith.
John 11:4-6

4When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." 5Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.

At the time they were grief stricken, unable to understand why someone who was so close to them- someone who was such a good and close friend, could actually turn His back on them. Martha and Mary were not just people in a crowd and Lazarus was not just another man- Jesus had dined with them, he loved them, he was their brother. God is not silent because he does not love you or because he has grown tired of you but because there is a greater reason for it so that "God's Son may be glorified". So although you feel that Christ- who seemed so close to you at one time- has turned his back on you, remember that is not the case but "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" 2 Corinthians 12:9

The next example is of the Canaanite Woman in Mathew 15:21-28

The Canaanite Woman was crying out to Jesus with all of her energy- she was pushed away by the Disciples- even Jesus seemed to be casting her aside. She cried out to be and "Jesus did not answer a word" yet she persisted. Her cries got so loud and persistant that the disciples began to become annoyed with her. But still Christ tested the strength of her faith and kept his mouth either closed or in complete contempt- or so it would seem. When Christ chooses to keep silent and we feel him cast us away, he is trying to build you up and see how far you will go for him, how deeply you love him, and how consistent you are in faith. The answer is: don't give up.

Lastly, the greatest Evangelist in the history of mankind: the Conversion of Paul- Acts 9

There is only one main thing id like to point out- that before Paul went completely blind- he heard the voice of God, Jesus himself spoke to him. Right away he was made blind for three days. Blindness, ironically is the ultimate silence. "A light from heaven flashed around him"- Paul saw so much glory in a fleeting second, he felt the power of God, was so overwhelmed by it that "he fell to the ground" in fear, in reverence. But suddenly it was all taken away from him. He could not see a light, could not see anything. He could not hear the voice of God- the world was silent. Sometimes the silence of God can be a point where transformation can take place. You may feel that Christ is play games with you, showing you how wonderful his glory can be- and then yanking it from your arms, but remember that Christ would do nothing to harm you- only lift you up.

Silence is not an element to be feared- nor is it an absence. He is always there with you, always watching over you. If he has promised you something- he will fulfill it. Silence does not mean rejection, the longer it takes for a jury to decide if a man is guilty or innocent- the better it is for the prosecuted. Silence only means wait. Wait- take this time to look deep into the heart of Christ- and realize that through the persistence of the Canaanite Woman- God will bless you with life- like he did Lazarus and a mission- like he did Paul.

God Bless You.