Equating Silence With Separation

“Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Matthew 11:3

Ordinarily, the sound of crickets is pleasant, peaceful and tranquil.  However, when all I hear in response to calling on God for help, healing or comfort is the sound of lonely crickets, I wonder of the distance I am from God Himself.  The mere nature of my circumstances and the apparent silence from the cries of my heart suggest God has taken a leave of absence or at least a lack of interest in my life.  Sound familiar?

I’d almost suspect that John the Baptist had some of those same thoughts while in prison under the watch of Herod.  Knowing the nature of his purpose driven life to preclude the coming Messiah and knowing too that this Messiah was in fact his cousin Jesus, his world turned to a more contemplative one at best, questioning the very truth of who Christ was while he sat in Herod’s dungeon.  Why would John do this?  After all, he knew from the womb from which he came that Christ, the Son of God was near him.  Yet, separated now by freedom and facts, John was faced with his faith.

God is not always about a triumphant rescue.  Christ knew who John was and grieved in knowing of his circumstances.  But while John’s (our) scope of understanding was (is) limited, God established the unexplainable ability to bring Him glory through his (our) circumstances when they appear either good or bad.  For me, this happens when my eyes come off of me and my circumstances and centrally focus on the cross and His sacrifice.  It’s not about me — it’s about Him!

This is not to say that God is not interested in my circumstances because indeed He is — more so than I truly know.  He is more interested, however, in my heart!  And when it comes to my circumstances, He’ll walk with me through them.

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

by:  Mark Cruver