Sometimes God speaks by saying nothing, says Rick Warren

Rick Warren with his wife Kay (Photo: Saddleback Pics)

When God chooses to remain silent, it can get really frustrating, says Pastor Rick Warren, but Christians should remain steadfast in their faith and loyalty towards God.

"Sometimes God speaks by saying nothing," he said in his devotional. "But God has his reasons when he's silent. You have to just wait and trust him."

People often get so impatient waiting for God's answer that they foolishly decide to do whatever they want without waiting for His guidance. Warren warned that people who do this might encounter all kinds of problems in the end and be filled with regret.

The exact same thing happened to King Saul in the Bible. He was all set to go to battle when he asked God, "What do you want me to do in this battle?"

But God did not say anything, neither by sign nor by prophet. Saul insisted on getting an answer from God several more times but he still did not get it. So out of frustration, he turned to another spiritual advisor. He sought a medium, a psychic, a witch, or somebody who can conjure up spirits or do a séance.

He knew it was wrong, but he was desperate. In the end, he lost everything - the battle, his life, and even his reputation.

Warren said that Christians should resist following in King Saul's footsteps, and remember that God is in control. He will always take care of his people just as long as they wait on Him.

It might be difficult to keep the faith when God chooses to remain silent, but He always has a purpose, said Warren. Sometimes, it might be God's way of asking His followers if they truly trust in Him.

The Bible verse Psalm 50:14 said: "I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give me glory."

related articles
God created people to be productive, says Rick Warren
God created people to be productive, says Rick Warren

God created people to be productive, says Rick Warren

Rick Warren preaches why God created mankind
Rick Warren preaches why God created mankind

Rick Warren preaches why God created mankind

Rick Warren shares spiritual habits that can help reduce stress

Rick Warren shares spiritual habits that can help reduce stress

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.