When God is Silent
A Devotional in Old Testament History
Today’s reading is out of Genesis 15:1-6. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.
In our passage below, we are introduced to a childless man named Abram. In Genesis 12, God promised Abram that he would make him into a great nation and all the families of the earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). The problem was that his wife was barren and they were both very old, far beyond child-bearing years. As time passed, his faith began to wane. Notice how verses two and three each begin… “But Abram said,” (Genesis 15:2) → “And Abram said.” (Genesis 15:3). It is not explicit in English, but the way the Hebrew language (in which the Old Testament was written) communicates is that these are two different conversations over a period of time. In Genesis 15:2, Abram pleads with God. Why had God’s promise that was made years ago not come to fruition? It is like him saying, “God I trust You, but I don’t understand You or this plan.”
No doubt God heard Abram. But guess what God says? … nothing. Crickets. God doesn’t respond! No amount of time is given. This could have been days, weeks, months, or even years of silence! God is still silent. However, God finally does respond after who knows how long (see Genesis 15:4–5).
Abram walked with God even when there were times of silence. We often over-romanticize people in the Bible as if God spoke to them every day. The narrative seems to suggest it was not often! Maybe you are experiencing a similar season to Abram? Even though things were taking longer than he thought, God’s promise to him hadn’t changed. In fact, God took the chance to reaffirm His commitment to him. This interaction with God deeply impacted Abram and he believed the Lord while his wait continued. We have much to glean from this interaction, seeing how to embrace the time and tension between a promise, a plan, and its provision.
Take a moment and reflect on the passage again and answer the questions below.
Genesis 15:1-6 (ESV) After this, the word of the Lordcame to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Reflect
- What about this passage captures your attention? Why?
- Abram felt the tension between promise and provision. Have you ever felt this tension? What was that like?
- What truth about God does this passage encourage us to hold on to?
Act
Try keeping a prayer journal. This will help you track your prayers and thoughts while also recording the ways you see God at work in your heart and life. Whether God is speaking vision into your life or simply affirmation into your heart, it is worth noticing and paying attention to.
Pray
Lord, thank you for calling me for your good purposes. I am eager to live out the plans you have for me! Please reveal a vision for my life that I can be excited about. Help me trust you even when I can’t hear you or feel you. I know you are always near. Empower me to find guidance and strength in your written word. And Please help me listen to the ongoing leadership of your Holy Spirit. Amen.