Don’t Be Offended by God’s Silence – May 2025 Article

Title: Don’t Be Offended by God’s Silence

Bible Texts: Matthew 15:23; Jeremiah 29:11

Matthew 15:23

“Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’” (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

Introduction

Life’s journey is marked by exhilarating mountain peaks and sorrowful valley lows. It is not determined by chance or fate but by God’s sovereign hand. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). This journey is meant to shape and align us with God’s eternal design.

However, we often encounter times of deep sorrow, need, or uncertainty; moments when heaven appears strangely silent. Our prayers seem unanswered. Our pain, unrelieved. In such moments, we may feel forsaken, forgotten, or abandoned by God. Yet, God’s silence does not mean His absence. It does not indicate a lack of care or rejection.

In truth, God’s silence is often a redemptive strategy; a thread in the tapestry of His saving work. Just as a master artist uses both light and shadow, God uses silence to deepen our faith, refine our character, and draw us nearer to Him. His silence is purposeful, just as a wise guide knows when to speak and when to let the journey speak for itself. Silence may not signal the end but a turning point in our spiritual growth. Even when we cannot hear Him, He still speaks.

When heaven seems quiet, let us reflect on what it might mean for believers, and how we should respond to God’s apparent stillness.

  1. God’s Silence Tests the Depth of Our Faith

Matthew 15:21–28 recounts the remarkable story of the Canaanite woman who pleaded with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. In verse 23, “Jesus did not answer a word.” His initial silence was not indifference but a test, an opportunity to expose and purify the woman’s faith.

She persisted, even in the face of silence. Her trust was rooted in the power and goodness of Christ, not in an immediate answer. Her persistence moved Jesus, who eventually responded, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” (v. 28)

Likewise, God’s silence in our lives often serves to test the sincerity and depth of our faith. As 1 Peter 1:6–7 states, trials come “so that the proven genuineness of your faith, of greater worth than gold… may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Silence from heaven challenges us to believe in God’s character and promises, even when we cannot trace His hand.

  1. God’s Silence Prepares Us for Something Greater

The story of Lazarus in John 11 reveals how divine silence can precede divine glory. After Mary and Martha informed Jesus of Lazarus’s illness, He delayed His visit. For two agonizing days, Jesus remained silent, and Lazarus died.

To the sisters, this delay likely felt like abandonment. But Jesus explained, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)

His silence preceded a miracle more astonishing than healing: resurrection. God’s silence often foreshadows something greater. His delays are not His denials.

As Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Often, God is working behind the scenes, changing circumstances, transforming hearts, and orchestrating events to reveal His glory.

  1. God’s Silence Invites Us Into Deeper Intimacy

Rather than prompting us to try harder, God’s silence may be His way of inviting us closer. In silence, we are drawn not only to seek His hand but to know His heart. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In our loud, fast-paced world, silence can feel uncomfortable. Yet God often whispers His most profound truths in silence. Elijah discovered this on Mount Horeb; God was not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

In silence, God builds a relationship based on His presence, not just His provision. The stillness becomes sacred; a space of connection, much like lovers who communicate without words.

After enduring silence and suffering, Job finally declared, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (Job 42:5) God’s silence invites us to pause, reflect, and reorient ourselves to know Him in both waiting and fulfillment.

Conclusion

God’s silence always serves a purpose. Whether He is drawing us closer, testing our trust, or preparing us for something greater, His silence is never wasted. Like the Canaanite woman, we are called to persevere. Like Mary and Martha, we are called to trust, even when all seems lost. Like Elijah and Job, we are called to listen in the quiet.

Silence does not mean the story is over; it may be the whisper before the breakthrough, the breath before the miracle. As Lamentations 3:25–26 assures us: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

May your silent seasons draw you nearer to God, not further away.

Reflection

Have you ever felt hurt or forgotten by God’s silence?

Today, reflect on this truth: God is not ignoring you. He is shaping you. His silence is not His absence; it is often His most loving tool to deepen your trust and refine your soul.

Take time to pray, journal, or simply sit in silence, not asking for answers, but for an awareness of His presence.

And remember: Don’t be offended by God’s silence; be transformed by it.

Let Us Pray

Father, I know You are always there for me, and You will never leave me alone in my moments of loneliness. I am sorry for my ignorance in thinking that Your silence is due to my mistakes or sins. Please forgive me and have mercy on me.

My Lord and God, I need You every hour. Breathe Your presence into my situation. Let the Holy Spirit minister hope to me and grant me grace to persevere.

Amen.

– John Aderogba for ROPMI

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AVOID SELF-LIMITATION  – February 2025 Article 

Focus: AVOID SELF-LIMITATION 

Texts: 1 Samuel 17:45, Philippians 4:13 

INTRODUCTION

Opportunities, challenges, and boundless potential for greatness await you on life’s journey. However, many people intentionally limit their potential, making it harder to achieve their goals. Confidence issues, low self-esteem, and a lack of faith in one’s abilities are all symptoms of self-limitation. This can manifest in various ways, such as not pursuing a career due to fear of failure, not speaking up in a relationship due to low self-esteem, or not using one’s talents for fear of rejection.

Even though many people fall short, God has given each of us the ability to overcome challenges. The story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45 is a powerful example of the impact of trusting and believing in God. Despite his small stature and lack of battle experience, David achieved victory. “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,” he said, “but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” David’s triumph shows that faith in God and self-confidence, rather than worldly credibility, define true power.

A similar message is found in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us that our strength comes from God, not from ourselves. Therefore, we should not allow our limitations to define our capabilities. To break free from self-imposed limitations, we must be open to new ideas, trust in God’s promises, and be courageous in pursuing our dreams.

  1. Reject Fear and Doubt

Fear—whether of failure, rejection, or the unknown—is one of the greatest obstacles to success. However, we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead of letting fear dictate his actions, David faced Goliath head-on, trusting in God’s power. Likewise, we should not be afraid but act confidently, knowing that God is with us. We have the power to overcome our fears and doubts, and we must not let them hold us back from achieving our dreams.

  1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

A fixed mindset—the belief that our talents and abilities are unchanging—is often the root cause of self-limitation. Instead, we should strive for a growth mindset, believing that we can continually improve through learning and development. Proverbs 4:7 states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.” When we commit to lifelong learning, grow from our mistakes, and refine our skills, we can overcome self-imposed barriers. Let’s embrace a growth mindset and be inspired to constantly improve and develop.

  1. Take Action with Faith

James 2:26 tells us that “faith without works is dead.” Many people recognize their capabilities but never take action to fulfill their dreams. To avoid self-limitation, we must take initiative. David did not hesitate—he ran toward Goliath instead of standing still. Whether starting a business, returning to school, or learning a new skill, we need to act in alignment with God’s guidance. Let’s be determined and committed to taking steps toward our goals.

CONCLUSION 

We can overcome self-limitation through faith, a growth mindset, and courageous action. David’s victory over Goliath and Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:13 remind us that God is the source of our strength and possibilities. Our dreams can become reality when we break free from self-imposed constraints and pursue our goals with determination.

REFLECTION 

– What fears and doubts are preventing you from achieving your goals?

– How can you change your mindset to be more open to growth and opportunities?

– What practical steps can you take to break free from your current limitations?

Everything you need to shine has already been given to you. Live without doubt, trust in God’s power, and move forward in faith. Finally, having Jesus in your life is essential. He is the ultimate victor, and nothing can stop Him from conquering. By embracing this truth, you can develop a victor’s mindset. Take a step of faith today and accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

Let us pray.

  1. Father in heaven, thank You for Your care and kindness that are renewed every day. I sincerely apologize for allowing my limitations to distract me from Your purpose. Please forgive me and be merciful to me.
  2. Dear Lord, open my eyes to the opportunities around me and strengthen my faith. Lift me beyond my current obstacles and limitations. I am truly grateful.

John Aderogba 

ROPMI | February 2025

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