Monday Motivation for Moms – What Do You Do When God Seems Silent?
by Sue Glashower
Have you ever felt like God isn't answering you?
What do you do when you are facing an important life decision and God seems to be silent?
You are not alone! I think we all struggle with this sometimes and wish he would just make the answer more clear to us. Sometimes I feel like I am not sure if I am just talking myself into something or if it is God putting those thoughts into my head. I can feel so sure about something one day and then the next day I am not sure.
As Christian moms and parents, there are many important decisions that we need to make. Where will our kids go to school – public school, private school or home school? Will we work outside the home? Will we be a stay at home mom? Will we start a business and work at home?
Does this sound at all familiar?
I think sometimes we expect an answer too quickly and God is telling us to be patient and wait. In this fast-paced world we expect everything "right now". It is so easy to get caught up in that thinking and expect God to work that same way. He will reveal the answer in time but it may not be the answer we want or as quickly as we would like it to be. Sometimes I think that God wants to see if we will trust him and wait for answers. He may use that opportunity to draw us closer to him.
"Wait patiently for the Lord; be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
3 steps to help you in seeking answers from God:
1.) Spend at least 15 minutes of quiet time with God each day. Make it a priority in your day, even if you have to get up early to do it.
2.) Write down your questions and concern, no matter how big or small they are. Be specific and bring those things before God. Keep writing down your thoughts each day as God speaks to you through scripture and prayer.
3.) Share with a Christian friend or family member. If you are facing a big decision in life it is good to find someone you can trust to talk and pray about it with. Someone may see something that you don't or be able to see it from a different perspective. It can be very comforting just knowing that someone else is praying for you and with you.
Just remember God is not trying to keep things from you or make you frustrated. He has a reason and a plan for everything. It may be that he is leading you in a different direction and it may not be what you expected but you can rest in the assurance that his plan will be the right plan for your life – even if you can't see that now.
Stay connected with God daily! Share your thoughts and comment below!
Great post Sue! You've reminded me that we all have times in our lives when we feel frustrated that God isn't answering us. It's taken me a long time to learn to be patient and wait for what God is guiding me to do rather than carrying on with my own plans. In my own life I've found it's not so much what God wants me to do that is different to my thinking but more a question of when. I'm not very good at waiting!
I am not very good at waiting either Carolyn but I am working on it!
I hope you'll tolerate a 'non-mom' here
I am happy to have found your blog through the Christian Blog Community on FB.
I particularly like your second step in the process of seeking answers from God. I know that when I write it down, I find that it totally changes my feelings about my problems and my prayers.
My problems are things that can be addressed. They are no longer this bigger than life issue. They are put into perspective on paper.
My prayers 'feel' more real when they are written. I know that this isn't actually true. God hears even my thoughts. It however, feels sometimes like when I pray, I am not really doing anything. Again I know that's not the case, but putting them in writing greatly increases my faith and helps me to focus in prayer!
Glad you found me Matthew! It is my mission to encourage people in their faith – men or women! I am glad you weren’t intimidated and shared your perspective!
I believe that God challenges us to live by faith and to pray by faith. Like you say there are many areas in our life where we can’t find an answer. But then God also likes to go with the peace that is on the inside of us. When I don’t have peace about something, I know that I should go ahead and make a decision. But I like the fact what you said about writing it down..I will definitely work on that; I like that!
I love being able to look back at what I have written and see how it has all worked out or how God has changed my desire.
Those 1st 15-minutes of my day with God are the most precious of all… and I love to ask Him questions! Sometimes the answers come quick and sometimes slowly, but since I've been keeping journals for decades, I've noticed He always answers in one way or another, in the perfect way and time! Thanks, Sue… I look forward to reading more of your articles!
I agree! I love being able to look back at my journal and see God working. I am so glad we connected!
These 3 tips are RIGHT ON! Get specific & write them down, so important. Having a Christian confidant & fellow friend is so helpful for not feeling alone in this journey. Thanks for the reminder Sue!
Your welcome Jenny! Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh yes, I've been in those situations Sue. I especially like your tip on writing them down. Journaling does heal our soul and helps us to focus on the goodness of God and seek Him for specific solutions instead of worrying.
Thanks for stopping by. I love journaling!
Hi Sue! Your article today was so encouraging. This hits home for everybody at some point. You've given an easy, simple plan to help us all cope with it and wait patiently. Loved it!
Thanks for your kind words Ron!