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
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.