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."

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