I met with an awesome couple today that is going through one of those waiting times on God. I could sense the tension developing in them as their patience, and literally their faith, is being stretched. I could easily identify with their situation, because I have personally been there many times.
What should you do when it feels like God has forgotten you?
Here are 7 things to remember or do in those times when God appears silent.
- Be honest with God, those closest to you, and ultimately yourself about your fears. We are not meant to be silent sufferers.
- Keep in mind that you are not alone. All of us go through times of uncertainty. Even the great heroes of the faith had times of doubt. Don’t beat yourself up emotionally because you are in one of those times now.
- Remember that just because you feel a certain way does not mean the way you feel is truth.
- Recall truth:
- That God has promised to “never leave you nor forsake you”. Even when you feel abandoned by God, He is closer than you can imagine…and, He cares!
- That God has promised to work “all things for good”. That means He has a plan, even when it doesn’t seem that He does.
- Don’t sit still for long without doing something you already know to be doing. Volunteer, help others, stay busy, pray, seek His face. Be active in living out your faith during this time. Idleness is one of Satan’s best friends.
- Know that God prepares for some of His best work as He makes you wait.
- Read Psalm 27 and 121.
Have you ever been in a time like this? I would love for you to leave a brief testimony here to encourage others.
I’m in a desert season of my life. It seems everywhere I turn I can’t see my way. My finances are depleted, I have no job, my immediate family and I are not speaking, My daughter and I don’t have a good relationship, & On top of that, my father is ill and I feel he will dying soon. My life is so dark & I don’t know what else is coming. I have asked GOD to take me out of all this pain even if I must die. I have been attending church & going to Bible study. I listen to inspirational CD’s, & have been reading God’s word. When this is all over, I hope someone gleans from this. Even though I perish, I will not curse my God. I now accept that if this is his will; let it be done!!!
Think about the last time you really needed God and It felt like he was no where around. Now look back and remember when he delivered you from whatever it was. God is always there. I believe he make us wait because he want us to know that even when we don't feel his presence he is still always right there.
Great post
too many people miss the "Do something" part.
or even worse, they seek a new revelation or direction cause the current one hit a minor speed bump.
Simple but profound
Thanks Chris!
that yipee means I needed that.
yipee!
Your words were so encouraging! Especially the not being alone, satan wants to seperate us from those who can help lift us up when we are feeling down.
My husband is a very private man – we recently found out our son is dealing with Same Sex Attraction – my husband would not share this with ANYONE – he delt with it for months alone – finally he shared with a friend – we HAVE to have support and people praying for and with us. Many times pride gets in the way, and we do suffer alone, which is right where satan wants us.
I clearly remember a time like this in my life! In fact a friend and I were just talking about this yesterday.
It was 10 years ago, but I can still recall the time as if it was last week!
My mother had just passed away after a long hard battle with lung cancer, and in the midst of my grief, I found out my husband was having an affair with our daughters best friend. Double whammy!
The doctors say I had a “nervous breakdown”. I say the enemy was attacking with everything he had! For an entire year, I feel as if I walked through the depths of hell. Literally!
God never stopped speaking to me during these times, but the enemy SHOUTED trying to drown out the comfort my Lord had for me. I pressed on, kept praying, and surrounded myself with Christian music and friends. SLOWLY I felt myself being lifted up.
I defeated the enemy! He will NOT break me!
In the years since, I have had the opportunity to use my days in the darkness to minister to other women going through similar situations.
If we let Him….God teaches us, even in the darkest hours!
My friend Renee Garcia directed me to your site! How grateful I am! I love your posts! They are such an encouragement to me!
In my worst storm, I wanted to quit going to church. I prayed every Sunday that something would happen to keep us away. The Lord ignored those prayers, and now I am glad He did. Being broken is a very good place to be. God is right there the whole time; you just can’t sense Him.