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 This past week I had the joy of attending my two youngest children's
(ages 7 and 4) Christmas program. It was a time of great joy,
watching our kids and other children sing, smile, dance -- their
faces covered with joy. Yet, as Wendy and I sat there, I thought
about the Christmas programs that were probably planned in Newtown,
Conn. They had songs to be sung ... but no children to sing them.
Later, I read what one brother wrote: "What could possibly be worse
than not having gifts under the tree to give to our kids? Having
gifts under the tree but no children to give them to."
For those in Newtown, Conn., there are not words to describe what
they are feeling and facing. In the midst of pain, we cry out ...
yet it is at these moments sometimes God seems to remain silent.
The Bible speaks of a man who knew this pain. His name is Job. In
one day Job lost all his livestock -- God remained silent. In the
same day he lost his entire livelihood -- God remained silent. And
in the same day he lost those most precious to him -- all 10 of his
children -- God still remained silent. Job lost the support of the
one closest to him -- his wife told him to curse God and die.
Finally Job lost the support of his friends, as they told him he
must be in sin and in need of repentance. Through it all God
remained silent.
Perhaps, this Christmas you are going through a very difficult
time ... a time when God remains silent. Today, I want to share with
you some insights that will empower you to make it through those
times in life when you cry out and it seems as though all you hear
is silence.
First we learn what to do by two
things that Job did not do:
We are often quick to do both.
Many of us have been told it is not for us to ask why. Yet, Job
asked, "Why?" six times in Job Chapter 3. It is OK to ask why … yet
sometimes God still remains silent.
When God is silent ...
1. Remain persistent in prayer.
Job kept speaking to God even though all he heard was a deafening
silence!
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Job 7:19-21 --
What have I done? Have I sinned?
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Job 9:32-35 -- Job
desires a mediator, showing his desire for any help in restoring
his relationship with God.
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Job 13:18-22 --
Job really believes he will be vindicated.
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Job 19:25-26 -- I
know my Redeemer lives.
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Job 23:10-12 --
God knows me. When I am tested, I will come forth as gold.
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Job 27:1-6 -- Until I die, I will not
put away my integrity from me.
2. Remember the promises of God.
It is so hard to remember the promises of God when life is
difficult and God seems quiet. When God speaks we often remember,
but we need to remember at all times.
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Romans 8:28 --
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who
love God and who are called according to His purpose."
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Phil. 1:6 -- "Being confident of this
very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will
complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Job remained persistent in prayer and remembered the promises of
God. Job realized that when God is silent, He has already spoken,
and He will speak again. As a result, God restored to him twice as
much as he had before. God blessed the latter part of Job's life
better than the first.
The first Christmas God spoke by sending His Son -- "For God
so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes
in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." This Christmas
God is still speaking -- He still so loves the world and He so loves
you. His heart breaks for the families in Newtown, Conn., and His
heart breaks for you.
Take a moment right now and seek Him. He is waiting for you. He
loves you and so do we!
[By PASTOR LARRY A. CRAWFORD, Open Arms Christian
Fellowship]
To hear more of this message, "Prayer Changes
Everything: When God Is Silent," go to
www.oacflincoln.com and click on "Media."
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