May 22: God Is Working in the Silence

 

by Dr. Jodian Manderson

Waterford Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Jamaica 

Key Text: Romans 8:28 — “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” — Romans 8:28 (NLT)

 

We live in a society where work is often measured by visible progress, noise, and excitement. Attention is given to those with the most fanfare, and people tend to follow those who are flamboyant and charismatic.

Many of us grow up believing that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. However, that is not always true. History is filled with examples of terrible things happening to good people — even faithful Christian people. Terminal illness, deadly pandemics, accidents, and unforeseen circumstances often become the reality of the “good” among us.

To make matters worse, these painful moments are sometimes accompanied by deafening silence and prayers that seem unanswered. When life is “lifing” and the struggles become overwhelming, we cry out: Where is God? Why me? What did I do? What sin am I being punished for?

 

That was exactly how I felt after toiling for five and a half years in dental school, only to learn that not only would I not be graduating, but I would also have to wait another year to receive my degree. The disappointment and sense of failure were overwhelming. The uncertainty and pause in my life felt unbearable.

In my humanity, I prayed the familiar miracle-working prayers: “Lord, please deliver me. Lord, give me a miracle. Lord, help me.” But in those moments, all I heard was silence.

 

To add insult to injury, I then learned that I had outstanding grades for four courses from Year One. The bad news came one after another, just like Job’s servants reporting loss after loss. It crushed my spirit and filled me with shame and disappointment.

Why would God allow me to successfully complete five years with good grades, only to leave me wandering in a wilderness of doubt, confusion, and discouragement?

 

The solution from my academic representative was not encouraging either. I needed to find more money to pay for courses that had not been accounted for, and I needed to act quickly because the deadlines were approaching and the prospects did not look favorable.

 

And still, God was silent.

So I did what I knew best to do — I cried, I bawled,I complained, and I poured my heart out to God.

Now, looking back after overcoming this experience, I can see that what I perceived as silence was actually God quietly working — not according to my timeline or desires, but according to His faithfulness.

Romans 8:1 reminds us:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

And Romans 8:29–30 in the Amplified Bible says:

“For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son... And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.”

What I thought was God’s silence was actually Him developing my patience, strengthening my faith, and teaching me to trust Him completely.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is deeply concerned about us. Even when we cannot see it, He is moving things around — not always in the way we expect, but ultimately for our good.

 

What I experienced during that season of waiting and disappointment worked out in a way I never imagined. I did not have to repeat any of the courses. I received exemptions for all of them (most people thought not possible), graduated with honours, and obtained my license to practice dentistry. On top of that, I received more job offers than my schedule could accommodate. But above all I learned new trust and assurance in God’s words and His timing. In God’s “silence,” He was perfecting His work for my ultimate good and His glory.

 

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust that even in Your silence, You are diligently working for my good. Teach me to remain faithful while I wait on You. Amen.