Believe Again - Part Three - When God Seems Silent

NOTES:

Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! You welcome those who gladly do good, who follow godly ways. But you have been very angry with us, for we are not godly. We are constant sinners; how can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.

Isaiah 64:1–7 (NLT)

Why Don’t We Always Feel His Presence?

1. God’s silence is part of a new SEASON.

2. God’s silence is due to SIN.

3. God’s silence is an INVITATION.

 

1. Remember What He’s Done—REFLECT

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.

Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV)

2. Remove Barriers—REPENT

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

3. Don’t Give Up—WRESTLE.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…

James 4:8 (NKJV)

 

BOTTOM LINE:
God may seem QUIET, but he’s never DISTANT.

 

THE CHALLENGE: 
Take One INTENTIONAL STEP.