Faithfulness in Silence: Trusting God's Timing
Summary
In my sermon today, I shared about the importance of recognizing the richness of our spiritual heritage and the value of steadfast leadership. I emphasized the rarity of finding a church community with such deep roots, saturated in prayer, and led by leaders of integrity and character. I honored the founding senior pastors and the current leadership for their dedication and the healthy transition to the next generation.
I also spoke about the significance of remaining faithful and steadfast in our walk with God, even when it feels like He is silent. I drew parallels between our experiences and the biblical account of Zechariah, a priest who remained righteous and obedient during a time when God had not spoken to His people for over 400 years. Despite the silence, Zechariah continued his priestly duties, and in his faithfulness, he experienced a divine encounter where an angel announced the birth of his son, John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus.
I encouraged the congregation to consider what we do when it feels like God is not speaking. I urged everyone to go back to the last thing God said and to remain patient, still, and surrendered to His timing. I pointed out that during the 430 years of God's silence, prophetic words from the book of Daniel were being fulfilled, showing that God's plans continue even when we are not aware of them.
I shared a personal story about a time when I felt God was silent in my life, relating to when I was seeking my mother's blessing to date my now-husband, Henry. Despite her initial refusal and subsequent silence, I remained in prayer, and eventually, her heart was changed.
I concluded by praying for those who felt like they were under a silent heaven, declaring breakthrough and clarity over their lives. I reminded everyone that God's silence does not equate to inactivity but rather that He is working behind the scenes on our behalf.
Key Takeaways:
- The richness of a church community is not a product of coincidence but the result of intentional cultivation through prayer and leadership. A church that has been nurtured in this way is a testament to the faithfulness and integrity of its leaders, and it is essential to honor and appreciate their commitment. [43:18]
- Faithfulness in the times of divine silence is a powerful act of obedience. Like Zechariah, we are called to continue our spiritual duties and trust in God's timing, even when we do not hear His voice. Our steadfastness is a testament to our trust in His sovereignty and His ultimate plan for our lives. [01:13:57]
- The last thing God says before a period of silence is crucial for our guidance during that silence. In the case of the Israelites, it was the promise of Elijah's coming, which pointed to John the Baptist and ultimately to Jesus. We must hold on to the last word we received from God and let it guide us until He speaks again. [54:03]
- God's silence can be a test of what we have learned from Him. Just as a teacher is silent during a test to see what students have retained, God may be silent to see how we apply His teachings in our lives. Our response should be to continue practicing what He has already revealed to us. [01:10:34]
- Breakthrough often comes after a period of steadfast prayer and waiting on God. Like my personal story with Henry, we must trust that God hears our prayers and is working on our behalf, even when we do not see immediate results. Our faith and patience can lead to a change of heart in others and the fulfillment of God's promises. [50:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Malachi 4:5-6 (NIV)
> "See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction."
2. Luke 1:5-17 (NIV)
> "In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.'"
3. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)
> "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the last message God gave to the Israelites before a period of silence, according to Malachi 4:5-6?
2. How did Zechariah and Elizabeth demonstrate their faithfulness to God despite their personal challenges? (Luke 1:6-7)
3. What was Zechariah's reaction when the angel appeared to him, and what message did the angel deliver? (Luke 1:12-13)
4. According to 2 Peter 3:8-9, how does God's perception of time differ from ours, and what is His desire for humanity?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God chose to speak to Zechariah after a long period of silence? How does this reflect on Zechariah's faithfulness? [01:05:07]
2. How does the promise of Elijah's coming in Malachi relate to the announcement of John the Baptist's birth in Luke? What does this connection reveal about God's plan? [01:06:24]
3. In what ways does 2 Peter 3:8-9 help us understand the concept of divine timing and patience? How can this perspective influence our faith during times of silence?
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how can we apply the lesson of remaining faithful during periods when it feels like God is silent? [01:13:57]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of honoring and appreciating church leadership. How can you personally show appreciation to your church leaders for their dedication and integrity? [43:18]
2. Zechariah remained faithful in his duties despite God's silence. Are there areas in your life where you feel God is silent? How can you continue to be faithful in those areas? [01:05:07]
3. The last thing God says before a period of silence is crucial for guidance. What was the last clear direction or word you received from God, and how can you hold on to it during times of uncertainty? [01:06:24]
4. The sermon mentioned that God's silence can be a test of what we have learned. Reflect on a time when you felt tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:10:34]
5. The pastor shared a personal story about waiting for her mother's blessing. Is there a situation in your life where you are waiting for a breakthrough? How can you remain patient and trust in God's timing? [50:01]
6. How can you cultivate a habit of prayer and steadfastness in your daily life, especially during times when you feel like God is not speaking? [01:13:57]
7. The sermon concluded with a prayer for those feeling under a silent heaven. How can you support and pray for others in your community who might be experiencing a similar season of silence? [01:17:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating a Legacy of Faith
The richness of a church community is a reflection of its spiritual cultivation, rooted in prayer and guided by leaders of integrity. This legacy is not accidental; it is the fruit of consistent, intentional efforts by those who have committed themselves to the spiritual well-being of the congregation. It is a heritage that deserves recognition and gratitude, for it provides a stable foundation upon which individuals can grow and thrive in their faith. The labor of past and present leaders, their prayers, and their unwavering dedication have woven a tapestry of spiritual depth that benefits all who are part of the community. [43:18]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." - Hebrews 13:7
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual legacy of your church community this week?
Day 2: Obedience in Divine Silence
In times when God's voice seems distant, steadfastness in spiritual practices is a profound expression of faith. Like Zechariah, who continued his priestly duties amidst divine silence, individuals are called to maintain their spiritual disciplines, trusting in God's sovereignty and His perfect timing. This unwavering commitment is a testament to one's belief in God's active presence, even in the absence of audible direction. It is in these quiet periods that faith is often refined, and the strength of one's relationship with God is revealed. [01:13:57]
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it." - 2 Timothy 3:14
Reflection: What spiritual discipline will you commit to this week as a sign of trust in God's ongoing work in your life?
Day 3: Clinging to God's Last Word
The final message from God before a period of silence holds significant guidance for navigating the quiet. It serves as a beacon, a reminder of His promises and the direction one should take while waiting for further revelation. Holding onto this last word is crucial for maintaining spiritual focus and purpose. It is a call to remember and act upon what has been learned, trusting that God's silence is not an absence but a space for His plans to unfold in His time. [54:03]
"And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them." - Isaiah 42:16
Reflection: What was the last thing you felt God communicated to you, and how can you actively hold onto that word today?
Day 4: The Test of Applied Wisdom
Silence can be a divine test of one's spiritual retention and application. Just as a teacher observes students during an exam, God may allow silence to see how His teachings are put into practice. This period is an opportunity to demonstrate the lessons learned and to live out the truths that have been imparted. It is a time to show that one's faith is not solely dependent on constant reassurance but is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and His word. [01:10:34]
"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22
Reflection: What teaching from God are you being called to apply more faithfully in your life, and what practical steps will you take to do so?
Day 5: The Fruit of Steadfast Prayer
Breakthroughs often follow periods of persistent prayer and patient waiting on God. The experience of feeling unheard or unnoticed can be disheartening, but it is in these times that faith and patience are most critical. Trusting that God is at work, even in the silence, can lead to unexpected changes and the fulfillment of His promises. The story of a changed heart or a long-awaited answer to prayer is a powerful reminder that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is orchestrating events for their good. [50:01]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
Reflection: What situation in your life requires steadfast prayer, and how can you demonstrate trust in God's timing this week?
Quotes
1) "God will speak when he needs to speak, but our job is to remain faithful. Our job is to remain steadfast. Our job is to trust God at his word. And I just came here today to remind some of you that you feel like the heavens are like brass. And you're wondering, where are you God? I just don't feel like I hear you anymore." [01:13:57]
2) "We must remain faithful. We must remain diligent to continue seeking him, to find him. We've got to live today what he spoke to you yesterday until he speaks again. Do you know there's been times where I've just had to keep one foot in front of the other?" [01:12:51]
3) "His silence means he is working on your behalf, but he doesn't need to tell you every detail. That his silence means that he is doing what he said he would do. Just like when my mum went silent, I could have felt like everything went on pause, but God was working on her heart." [01:16:40]
4) "What do you do when you feel like God's not speaking? What do you feel like when the heavens feel like brass? What does it feel like when you think, God, where are you? I believe that we have to go back to the last thing he said." [58:23]
5) "It's kind of incredible because if you look through that season of 430 years, you realize that the prophetic words from the book of Daniel were being fulfilled during his silence. God is amazing that when he speaks, everything goes according to his plan, regardless of whether you're on board or not." [01:00:19]
6) "I think sometimes you can be in something and it's not a negative, but we become familiar sometimes with what we have every single week. And I travel the world, actually, and I get to preach in a lot of churches. And it's hard for me to say this, but it is a rare thing to find a place that is so rich." [43:18]
7) "And here, if we look at the last thing that God said, it's actually in Malachi, Chapter four, five to six. This is the last thing that God says before he goes silent. He says, See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes." [54:03]
8) "And as he was faithful, there is a suddenly that happens. You see, this is why you should be in church on a regular basis. See, church isn't always a mountaintop. It always isn't an earth-shattering experience. But it's been the consistency and the faithfulness that when I've been in the meeting." [01:03:21]
9) "But what happens when someone goes silent like God, when it feels like God has gone silent and you think, where are you in this? And I don't know what you're doing in the midst of my praying for something and believing. I believe, God, that you said something." [51:24]
10) "Sometimes we need to be silent so we don't curse what God is busy fulfilling. See, God may be silent, but he's needing you to put into practice that which he has spoken to you about. Will you be a faithful remnant that regardless of whether you're being poured into." [01:08:34]
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