When God Seems Silent

Has God ever seemed distant or maybe silent in your life?  Are you experiencing a personal trial or can remember a time of struggle where God seemed distant?

In the Bible there was a period of 400 years that passed between the Old and New Testaments where God was 'silent.'  Yes, 400 years of waiting for God’s people. We think we’ve got it bad when we have to wait in line at the grocery because once again we got in the line that doesn’t move.  Now, in all seriousness though, there are times and seasons in our lives when God does seem distant (though He is closer than we know) and we wonder what in the world He is up too.   Anybody?

Watch this though, 400 years passed and finally we learn from the book of Luke that some things are beginning to happen.  Really good things.   God took an outwardly hopeless situation and He did what can be called--a reversal.  It’s His specialty really, because out of this seemingly hopeless situation, He starts to enfold the greatest announcement in all of history.  I think someone just needs to hear that.  Think about it; 400 years had passed, that is a very long time to wait!   Yet, out of this period of silence came our Messiah, The Lord Jesus Christ. 

Friends, we serve a God who thrives in turning hopeless situations into something quite redemptive.   Maybe you are waiting for a promise of God.  Perhaps you’ve prayed the same prayer for months and possibly even years.  Friends, we can trust Him.  Look what it says in Galatians 4:4, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship (emphasis added by me).”  What does this mean? It means God knew exactly what He was doing in that 400 years.  He had an appointed time for His Son and you better believe He has a timing for you and all of history.  My friends worship the King today, worship Him because He is at work, even though you cannot see it, He is and His plan is good!  Don't give up on God and your seemingly hopeless situation, you never know what He is up too!  

Christmas Every Day

"But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

I love Christmas.  When I was a young child the one thing about Christmas that sticks out to me was the excitement I felt about opening gifts.  I always tried to play it off as though I was “Joe Cool” so to speak, but on the inside I was leaping with excitement and anticipation.  I would wake up throughout the night, my eyes would dart to the clock to find it was only two in the morning, then four in the morning, until finally the clock said six in the morning!  Six in the morning!   This, this was the time, the time when we were able to wake up our parents and go get our gifts!  Ready or not Mom and Dad, here we come! 

One day we will be with Jesus and the excitement we once felt at Christmas will never ever, ever leave.  Now, I do not know about you, but sometimes my heart gets a little fluttery as I think about the return of Jesus Christ (and no it is not my pacemaker).  I have a feeling He is waiting with great expectation and excitement for the day His Father tells Him it is time to go get His Bride (Bride= anyone in Christ).  And once the Father tells him to come, my friends, ready or not because here He comes!  I hope you are ready because He is coming (Matt. 24:30).  When the Father says it is time, He will come and He will not delay.  I think a really good sign of a follower of Jesus Christ is that not only are they ready for Him to come back, but they long for His glorious return.  It is hard to fathom, but one day, it will be like Christmas every day of the year.  The excitement will never end.  Come Lord Jesus, come.  We celebrate YOU this Christmas season.