It’s easy to have faith – or at least have our faith strengthened when we pray and believe and immediately (or at least fairly quickly) receive a response. But what happens to my faith when my prayers appear to fall on deaf ears? What if all I receive is silence? Does my faith remain? Or does it waver?
I would guess that I am not alone in my preferences. I prefer God to answer my prayers – to meet my needs – in ways and in a time frame that make sense to me. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) I know the verse is true. I know that God is capable of meeting each and every need that I have with no exceptions.
But sometimes He doesn’t. My circumstances and need are unchanged. Has the powerful arm of the LORD been shortened? Is my God angry with me? Rejecting me? No.
Perhaps the thing I need is more faith. Perhaps what I need beyond anything else is to allow myself to stop trying to navigate this life on my own and depend more and more upon my God. Dependence upon Him is not a weakness, it is wisdom. And how do I grow in my dependence and faith? It cannot always come from quick responses and provision – lest I move from faith in God, to acting and believing I am a god – speaking things into creation.
God wants me to come to Him. He stands ready to receive all that I bring. My baggage. My dreams. My needs. All of it. And then God wants me to trust Him with it. His plans are not my plans. His ways are not my ways. But I need not worry – His plans are higher and His ways are greater than those I could imagine!
Faith grows when I give it to Him and wait. Waiting while keeping my eyes and ears tuned to Him.
Friend, this faith – faith in God is more powerful than what our minds can conceive. “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can’t be seen.” (Hebrews 11:3) Everything, in all of creation, is under God’s command. Every mountain. Every valley. Every person. Every situation. It all falls underneath His authority – His power.
You and I may find we have presented our requests to God and are now in a time of silence. Waiting. But be encouraged!
“And we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:15) “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Be encouraged. He hears you.
Blessings!