When God Works in Silence
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! 4 I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. - Job 23:3-5
How can I be strengthened in the silence?
God’s Silence
God in Esther and Job
God’s name is not mentioned in Esther, but we see His mighty hand working all throughout
Esther was brought in the palace for such a time as that (Esther 4:14b-16)
Mordecai was exalted and honored for his faithfulness and obedience to God and king (Esther 10:3)
The Jews were saved because of the divine plan of God working all things out in the end (Esther 9:1)
In Job we see God speak in the end, but all throughout Job’s suffering, we hear nothing but silence from God.
The Question We Want to Ask
Where are you, God?
8 It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." - Deuteronomy 31:8
5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, - Deuteronomy 7:9
God’s Strength
A lot of times we attribute a lack of faith or hope to this season, but it’s the need for strength in a silent season that’s what’s needed most.
How can I be strengthened in the silence?
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. - Ephesians 6:10
His Might
Ability, power, strength
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might - Ephesians 1:19
Force to overcoming immediate resistance.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1
Strength
Dominion
Root meaning behind this word is “to perfect, complete”
Be strong in God’s perfect dominion that comes from His immediate response of the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. - Psalm 46:10-11
Be Strong
Become strengthened, be empowered.
Become strengthened in the Lord, by His perfect dominion that comes from His immediate response of the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us.
The Greek word for “be strong” is “Endunamoó”
It means to have God, through His Spirit, to impart His miraculously empowered ability to to you.
By God’s miraculous power continually given to you, become strengthened by His perfect dominion that comes from His immediate response of the immeasurable greatness of His power toward you
“Be strong” word imagery
“to clothe one’s self with strength as one puts on a garment”.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11
Application
Clothing and Praying
Every time you put on the armour of God, you are applying God’s strength to your life.
Every time you pray, you are being empowered and strengthened by God (Ephesians 6:18)
How can I be strengthened in the silence?
Partner with God, even if He is slient (He is still working), through clothing yourself with His strength through the armor of God and continually pray in the Spirit.
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
Reflective Questions
If I can’t hear God, have I truly been actively seeking Him through His Word and prayer?
If I need strength, how can I practically and daily clothe myself in God’s armor and pray in the Spirit?
How would my season of silence be different if I was to partner with God in His will by doing the things above?