SPIRITUALITY AND FAITH
C. Listen to What God Says in His Word. Although God may seem silent regarding a specific request or petition, remember that He is always in a constant state of communication with us. The Bible is full of specific answers about what is right as well as information about God's character and His intention for us. So, dig into God's Word and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you.
D. Recognize That Silence Can Ultimately Release More! In John 11:6 when Jesus found out that Lazarus was ill, he didn't rush to Lazarus' house to heal him. Instead, Jesus stayed where he was for two more days. Before Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus died. To Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus' silence could have been interpreted as neglect — but instead Mary and Martha were drawn into a new closeness to God and understanding of His power. Four days after he died, Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, showing His power. They couldn’t have experienced this unless Jesus delayed and was silent up to that needed moment.
E. Keep Talking to God. It has been said that prayer is not about getting answers but getting God! Just because God seems silent doesn't mean you should doubt Him or stop praying. David said, "Oh my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest" (Psalm 22:2). Job also continually cries out to God, asking Him to answer. In Job 38, God answers—and questions Job. "Where
were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" asks God. "Tell Me, if you have
understanding" (38:4). God is in control and has been all along. He heard Job's cries for help. In trust, He waited for the perfect time to speak. Job was reminded.
II. GOD’S PRESENCE CHANGES ONE’S SPIRITUAL CONDITION
A. God seeks to restore fellowship and purpose! Following the death of Abel, Genesis 4:24, 26 says, “Eve gave birth to a son and named him Seth, for she said ‘God has appointed me another offspring … To Seth also a son was born; and he called his name Enos. Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord”. Adam and Eve believed Seth was to perhaps bring about the Messiah promised in Gen. 3:15. After the birth of Enos, men began to invite the presence of God again into their lives and caused “men to call on the name of the Lord”. In the midst of a wicked Cain line, the Seth line sought for an Eden relationship with God!
".... After the birth of Enos, men began to invite the presence of God again into their lives and caused “men to call on the name of the Lord”. "