The Meaning of Silence

Yet He did not say a word to her (Matt. 15:23).

What are we to make of a Savior who does not answer? The request of the woman whose daughter was demon-possessed was legitimate. Her acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord was accurate; her understanding of His will was appropriate. And yet, as with many of our seemingly appropriate prayer requests, He does not answer "a word."

Our response to His silence is often too timid. We backpedal, saying that perhaps our request was not in line with His will, or maybe we assume that we didn't have enough faith, because if we ask anything - even the removal of a mountain - and do not doubt, it will be done (Matt. 21:21). So we drop the request and do all sorts of interpretive gymnastics to justify the fact that God has not answered our prayer. But deep inside we know that His promises are certain and that we water down Scripture by explaining why we did not experience them.

Children learn much about their friends by playing hide-and-seek. They experience how their friends' minds work. They don't give up when they can't find them at first; an exciting encounter will take place if they keep looking. Might God's silence prepare us for an encounter with Him?

We need to contemplate this silence of Jesus in the Gentile woman's hour of great need. We need to remember that none - not one - of His promises guarantees an immediate answer to prayer. In His silence, He expects her continuing response of faith. She must ask herself: Am I sure of His goodness and His mercy (v. 22)? Am I sure He is able and willing (v. 25)? Do I know that God's blessing is given freely, not earned (v. 27)?.

God often does not answer us immediately, but He encourages our persistence. He invites us in the silence to explore His character, learn of His will, and gain a proper perspective of how we fit into His plans. He tells us to seek and we will find.

"The great point is to NEVER give up until the answer comes." - George Mueller



Written by: Chris Tiegreen