God's silence

[cmc]

Learning to appreciate God's silence is part of promoting our spiritual growth. Oftentimes in deepest troubles we experience silence, not clear direction. God's delays are never God's denials; therefore we are to be patient. True faith does not require sight nor sound. In times of God's silence we know it is our faith that pleases him. Oswald Chambers, my favorite theologian, says "God honors us with silence." Faith is an act, not just a theological concept.

One of the most thoughtful books I have read is Phil Yancey's Disappointment With God. He wrote it after having an experience with a young man who got mad at God because He would not respond to him as he wanted God to respond. The young man, a theological student, got so frustrated at four o'clock in the morning after having spent a good time on the floor praying for God's presence, he went out to the barbeque pit, burned his Bible and his textbooks, and turned away from the faith. Phil has written an answer to those questions which people are afraid to ask out loud. "Is the father listening to me? Can He be trusted? Does He even exist?"

I am convinced that God is not afraid of these questions. Too many Christians think that they have to protect Him. His integrity is worthy of every challenge. The deep-rooted answers come through the struggle. God's goal for us is to grow in our likeness to Jesus. He is serious about our growth, so we shouldn't be surprised at the process.

by Fred Smith taken from the article: Promoting Spiritual Growth

[cmc]

In times of God's silence we know it is our faith that pleases him. Oswald Chambers, my favorite theologian, says "God honors us with silence." Faith is an act, not just a theological concept.

This can be a tall order for me when I know that He is close but I'm not getting a clear sign or any indication of His direction. I love the C.S. Lewis quote about God honoring us. That idea tells me that He is saying- He can actually trust in me to either wait or do what I feel it is He wants me to.

When I know someone well, alot of times in absence of contact, I can use what I know of the heart of that person to get the answer I'm looking for. Whether it's a spouse, friend, boss, pastor or teacher, I can use what I know is in line with their preferences. It's very much like the popular acronym W.W.J.D. 'what would Jesus do?' The quote by Lewis describes a loving God who is trusting me to do the next right thing.

[toad]

Originally Posted by cmc

"Too many Christians think that they have to protect Him. His integrity is worthy of every challenge."

by Fred Smith taken from the article: Promoting Spiritual Growth

This is so true. I can even get angry and border on violence when it comes to standing up for God. I have been delivered from a life that was a pure living hell. The life I live today is so different. The truth is that if I defend God or deny God does not change God one bit. If I believe or I chose not to believe does not change God one bit. If another person accepts God or considers God unacceptable does not change God one bit. Nothing, absolutly nothing will change God........."the same yesterday, today and forever"..............thanks for sharing cmc.

I love you and there is not a thing you can do about it.........toad

[best]

As I was reading, my thoughts were this...

God's silence may be the point where God says... I showed you how, give it a try.
If God was to drag us along every step of our day that wouldn't be a free will life.
Because God has given us the gift of free will, I feel that the silence may be a part of allowing us to use that free will.
I showed you how...and now we can practice or do as we please...our choice.

[sugarssweetpea]

Originally Posted by best

As I was reading, my thoughts were this...

God's silence may be the point where God says... I showed you how, give it a try.
If God was to drag us along every step of our day that wouldn't be a free will life.
Because God has given us the gift of free will, I feel that the silence may be a part of allowing us to use that free will.
I showed you how...and now we can practice or do as we please...our choice.

I told my husband the other day when my he had asked me if I wanted to pray about anything (I was feeling pretty sad that day & had been for about a week) and I told him no, that I did not see the point anymore. The next day I had told a friend of mine in a Bible study class I am taking (just happens to be about how to experience joy in ALL of our circumstances) that I am my own circumstance. I had come to the realization that in the situations that I am facing right now with my sadness, had only to do with my own choices. The issue with my weight loss --- it is no longer up to God, but up to me. He HAS given me all the resources and He IS always there for me ready to help me when I CHOOSE to take it. He has told me what to do. He has written me an instruction manual on how to live my life here on earth. It is my choice whether or not I obey. It is my choice whether or not I choose to get up in the morning and spend time getting to know my Lord & Savior or if I choose to be lazy & sleep in & try to face the day on my own. I had said in a previous post that my quiet time has been lacking for quite awhile. I do not know how I ever thought of fighting any battles without walking through them hand in hand with Jesus Christ. The last two days I have been holding His hand very tightly and I do not plan on letting go. I am just grateful that after all this time, He is still there waiting for me.

[toad]

I like that old gospel song "I can't even walk without holding His hand." I have a version of it by Della Reese, it's truly annointed. I read something the other day, share this with me........"We never know that Jesus is all we need, till Jesus is all we have." (author unknown)

[cmc]

Holding His hand...He holds onto mine even if I think I have let go of His. It can be like taking baby steps. I do think that in some areas we are to go forth in faith, even without a clear vision, but the scripture is very clear about having a vision and following His leading.

There are many bible stories in which God chose to lead his people in round about ways to arrive at the place or position He had in mind all along.

Sometimes to go ahead without a clear understanding of His will is not wise and in fact could be seen as rebellious by God...Look what happened when Abraham couldn't wait for God's promised child. He lacked faith.

Regardless of the particulars, I trust that if I mean well and pray "thy will be done" God will stop me from going down the wrong path and will protect me if my heart is right and I have faith.

[sugarssweetpea]

Originally Posted by cmc

Sometimes to go ahead without a clear understanding of His will is not wise and in fact could be seen as rebellious by God...Look what happened when Abraham couldn't wait for God's promised child. He lacked faith.

Regardless of the particulars, I trust that if I mean well and pray "thy will be done" God will stop me from going down the wrong path and will protect me if my heart is right and I have faith.

Yes, we do not need to know everything that God is planning. He will reveal it to us in His timing. When we are ready, when He is ready. I always pray for God's will to be done. A good way that I use is that if I have peace about it *the peace that passes all understanding* that is good enough for me. I do not have to understand the whys about it, I know that I have prayed for God's will & He is leading me. If there is a situation that I am uncertain about, I will not move forward with it until I feel the peace about the decision I am making.

[Fluttering]

From the Book : QUIET MOMENTS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.....

"Fill up the space between you and God with a silence that waits for God, acknowledges his great love for you, and anticipates that he is with you. If anything can go without saying, let it go. An absence of spoken words brings the quiet that makes possible the awed awareness of God.

Create in your environment and within your heart a chapel hush that makes of your soul a sanctuary for the presence of God."


When I am quiet, O God, I can hear your thoughts in my heart as you make your way known to me. Amen