Testing Times

 There are times when God feels so close and the verses in the Bible feel like they were written personally for you. You see God answering your prayers. It's exciting!

 But then there are the times when it feels like God has forgotten about you. You pray and pray and see no sign of your prayer being answered. Nothing particular in the Bible stands out. God seems to be silent.

In those times I like to remember this thought...

When you are going through something hard and wonder where God is, remember that the teacher is always quiet during a test.

In those moments of feeling like God is far away, maybe you are going through a test. When students are taking a test, the teacher is quiet. The teacher doesn't answer questions like they usually would. But there is a good reason.

When teachers give a test, they prepare their students first. First they learn about something, then their knowledge is tested. The student has to remember what they've already learned. Although they may not be able to remember everything, they have already learned everything they need for the test. And when we go through testing times, we can take comfort in the fact that we have been prepared for this. (That is, if we are learning from our Teacher) We need to remember what God has already taught us and it will help us through this test. 

Teachers do not forget about the student during a test. Being silent doesn't mean that they don't care or that they're not there. And when you are walking with God and He seems far away, don't presume He's not there or that He doesn't care. A name for God I recently learned is Jehovah Shammah which means "The Lord is there." God is always there even when He seems silent. So don't stop praying and reading the Bible when God is silent, because He is always there and He does care. He is no less close than at other times. Tests don't last forever. They always pass.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13