By Bill Ellis

Some people say, “God always answers my prayers?” Many, however, know what it is like when God says nothing. The deafening blow of silence.

Jesus had fed “five thousand men besides women and children” with just five loaves and two fish. After they had all eaten they had 12 baskets full left over. You may read this story in Matthew 14, and also about Jesus and Peter walking on water. Jesus did it better than Peter.

The next chapter tells about Jesus going to the area of Tyre and Sidon. “And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, ‘Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed’ ” (Matthew 15:22). The very next verse says, “But He answered her not a word.”

This grieving mother made her plea and heard not one word of comfort. That must have been for her and would be for any of us a very discouraging time.

We live in a day when our hearts often fail us with fear. The needs are great and resources for support are plentiful, but none are offered. It is easy then to feel helpless and all alone. Discouragement leads to despair. It is at such a time that people want to give up and many do. When face to face with desperate circumstances anyone who has the ability to make a positive difference should do so.

On the Sabbath Day of July 19, 2008, Kitty and I were guests at the Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church in Huntington, West Virginia, to hear one of the great preachers of the world. We listened to the Rev. Dr. Barry C. Black, the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. Prior to his call to Capitol Hill on June 27, 2003, he had completed 27 years in the U. S. Navy and had served as Chief of Navy Chaplains with the rank of Rear Admiral.

Chaplain Black’s message was titled, “When God Says Nothing.” After taking note of world conditions and the problems faced by our nation, he made several statements that caught my attention. He counseled us on how to deal with life when God says nothing in response to our cries for help.

Black said, “We sing, ‘Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.’ The heaviest burdens may be those we leave at home.” A sick child, a slowly dying spouse, a house we can no longer afford, cupboards that are bare — may be among burdens the things we leave behind.

Dr. Black quoted Scripture that reminds us to “have no anxiety about anything, but to pray about everything.” When we have brought all our burdens, even our heaviest ones, to the Lord, he cautioned, “Be prepared for opposition and overcome it.” He added, “If you want to confuse the enemy, praise God when everything goes wrong.”

One encouraging word that Sabbath morning was, “Know your identity in Jesus Christ. As a child of your Heavenly Father you have the privilege of having all your needs supplied.”

A closing admonition was, “Keep on keeping on to see what the end will be.” It may be that when God says nothing, we just have to sing the words of an old Gospel song, “We’ll understand it better by and by.” The Scriptural story said, “But He answered not a word.”

It is at such a time that millions have testified in abiding faith, “All the way my Savior leads me.” Cultivate that kind of faith for the time when there seems to be no good answer for the problems you may be facing. If you can make a positive difference for somebody, do not wait any longer to do so.

© Assist News Service