Crickets And Bill Collectors

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd July 28, 2021 - Filed in Devotional - 4,478 views
  My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids. Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. Job 16:16 WEB.
  
  Bills piled up steadily at our house with no income to pay them. I'd just spent a couple of months intensely seeking the Lord, praying with my face to the carpet for two hours a day, and soaking in His presence like a warm blanket. Then suddenly, our business dried up.
  
  As the months passed by with no work, I began to feel abandoned and alone. When I tried to pray, I no longer got an answer. When I tried to worship, there was no presence. When we gave, we just had less. When we fasted, we were just hungry. I know that the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you, but I could only hear crickets and bill collectors.
  
  During that dark season, I learned this: While a school teacher is teaching the class, they will answer any questions you have. But when the test begins, there is silence in the classroom. The teacher won't give you the answers. You are supposed to use the knowledge that you've been taught to pass the test. The teacher is still there, but they won't speak until the exam is over.
  
  The book of Job is about a righteous man who went through a test. When Job's life fell apart, and all of his children and livestock were taken from him, and he was covered in sores, there is only silence from the Lord. Then God showed up at the end of the book and restored Job after he prayed for his friends.
  
  In my life, I went through a test. After several months of no work and intense pressure, we were packing to move out of our home. Then it ended abruptly, and in twenty-four hours, everything changed for us. The Lord put us into ministry. I became a pastor, and a friend stepped in and paid all of our bills for the month. The test was over. His presence returned, and like David and Job, we recovered all.
  
  If all you can hear are crickets and bill collectors, know that it's just a test. Keep the faith, don't give up today. Keep praying, and try to stay positive. It will eventually pass, and you'll be taken to a new level. As Job sat there on the ground, having lost everything, he probably didn't see the blessings that were soon coming. Yet the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life, even more than the beginning (Job 42:12).
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You and ask for mercy. Please bring the things that You have taught me back to my remembrance. Give me the grace to pass the tests that I face. Fulfill Your will in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
  
  Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
  
  
  

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