“Keep up your courage, Paul! You have successfully told your story about Me in Jerusalem, and soon you will do the same in Rome.” – Acts 23:11

As far as we can tell, this becomes the last time Jesus appears to Paul. We don’t have any records, either in Acts or in Paul’s letters that the Lord ever appears to Paul and encourages him again.

Have you ever felt God wasn’t speaking to you anymore? I’ve had people ask me what they should do when God feels silent and far away. I say don’t live by your feelings. Psalm 139:7 finds David asking, “Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit? Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence?” Then David goes on to answer his own question. “If I go up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there. If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean, even then You will be there to guide me; Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there” (vs. 8-10 The Voice).

Consider the many times you sat in the presence of your parents, not saying anything, just being. Maybe you were fishing, or watching a movie, or playing a game. No conversation was needed because you weren’t there to converse – you were there to be. Sometimes God seems silent because no words are necessary.

Furthermore, God is in the silence because, in reality, God is never silent. He has told us what we are to do and He expects us to do it. Too many times we badger God with more questions because we didn’t like what He’s already said. Then when He remains silent we think He’s abandoned us. He hasn’t left us—He’s just waiting for us to do what He’s already told us to do. Continue Reading