Good Friday

 When God Gives You The Silent Treatment (Praying Through Unanswered Prayers)

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

As Jesus hung on the cross for our sins, darkness covered the land. John was the only disciple of the 11, along with four women, who risked everything to show up in the middle of Jesus’ suffering.

The scene stood in stark contrast to the day Jesus’ earthly ministry had begun three years earlier. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Him. God’s voice could be heard saying, “This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him.”

But on Good Friday, no one heard God’s voice. Jesus cried out from His cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Jesus was in the center of His purpose, fulfilling God’s perfect plan, when He felt the most forsaken and alone. Remember, Jesus didn’t come to perform miracles and preach; He came to die in our place. And yet, when Jesus was closest to victory, God seemed the furthest away.

How do you keep praying when it seems as though your prayers aren’t being heard?

Jesus responded to God’s silence on the cross by declaring, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” This statement is our survival guide for navigating seasons of perceived silence.

When you can’t change your situation, commit your spirit to the One who holds the whole world in His hands. Remind your heart that just because you can’t hear God doesn’t mean He’s absent.

It was in Jesus’ darkest hour that God was doing His greatest work.

If you're struggling to hear God today, meditate on the words He's already spoken over you. You are precious in His sight and loved by Him (Isaiah 43:4). He calls you friend (John 15:15) and He sees you as more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37-39). You are God's workmanship — when He sees you, He sees a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Don't fill in the silence with lesser voices — fill it with the Master's words and your faith.

Father, when I can’t hear Your voice, help me to hope in Your Word. There are situations where I can’t see You and circumstances I can’t change, but I do the only thing I can — I commit my spirit to You. I recall to mind Your goodness and it gives me hope. Because of Your faithful love, I am not consumed. Thank You for working ALL things for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Source: The Bible App