Yesterday I was spending time with the Lord in prayer during the morning and through the day I heard nothing. Even during the afternoon and even in prayer I heard not a word from Him.
I have learnt from past experiences when we are not hearing from God that it’s normally that we’re not doing something wrong. We are inactually doing something right. He is not speaking for He wants us to do one of the following things.
1. Go back to the last thing He said as there is more to digest and learn.
2. He has confidence that we are well able to make the decision for the next thing.
3. He wants us to be in a relationship that is deeper than mere words.
Mother Teresa was asked once if she had experience times of not hearing from the Lord. She shared with them about a period of her walk with the Lord. I believe it could have been up to 10 years that she did not hear from God. When they inquired what she did ? She just said I concentrated on the last thing that He spoke. Then when I heard Him speak again I move to the new word He gave me.
I have found in my walk with the Lord that as He is a good Father. He know’s a true relationship is built on trust. On many occasions, He will stop speaking as I enter into a period I need to make a decision. Because He knows I have what is needed to make this decision well. He believes in me that I will make the right choice.
In this time of isolation, I believe I have discovered another reason I believe the Lord does not speak to us sometimes. It is because He wants us to be in a relationship that is deeper than mere words.
I recount many occasion when I was sitting with a really good friend, my wife or even my parents and not a word was spoken but I came away with sure joy and fulfilment. This was because we were just enjoying time together and the words or conversation was not important. I believe this is what the Lord is saying today to us. He can impart more to us in these times when it is heart to heart.
In 1 Kings 19:11, we find Ejisah in a cave and the word of the Lord asks him to go stand at the entrance of the cave. The Lord sent a strong wind, earthquake, fire but the Lord was not in any of them. Then he sends a still quiet voice. The English translation here lacks accuracy by using: ‘a still small voice’ there is a better translation of the Hebrew text that says: ‘a sound of thin silence. ‘ This is an idiom that means ‘complete silence.
Isn’t it interesting that in complete silence Ejisah found the courage needed to carry on, end well and pass on what He had to the next generation.
Could it be the same for us? That we are so eager to Hear Him, He decides sometimes to be silent as an invitation to really get to know Him more intimately.
Father, I thank you, that you always want the best for us. You are always inviting us to go deeper with you. Please help us to discover the new paths you have prepare for us to discover You even more. Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors / Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
