The afternoon Nairobi rain pelted Sarah’s car windscreen as she drove rapidly to her local church, as evidenced by her eagerness to get there in plenty of time before everyone else. Her heart felt heavy, like the city itself. The news of the rising cost weighed heavily on her mind, in stark contrast to the vibrant energy that generally surged through Nairobi’s streets.
Sarah entered the cool, dim church and discovered Pastor Elijah, his white suit billowing about him as he wiped dust from the pews. Relief rushed over her as she addressed him in Kiswahili.
“Pastor,” she said, slumping onto a white plastic chair, “where is God in all of this?” “I am at a loss over my business, about to let all my people go and perhaps close my office. Tears welled in her eyes. “There’s so much stress , and it feels like we’re just… screaming into the void.”
Pastor Elijah put a consoling hand on hers. His eyes, crinkled at the corners from years of witnessing hardship, held a silent strength..
“Sarah,” he said in his gentle voice, “sometimes God’s silence is the loudest message.”
Sarah, surprised, leaned forward. But, Pastor, how can silence convey a message? Don’t we need His word and guidance?
“Perhaps,” he said, “God’s silence demonstrates our free will. He created this globe, this magnificent continent, and gave us the opportunity to follow our own paths.” He pointed to the ornately carved crucifix hanging behind the worship stage. “But with freedom comes responsibility. We are called to be stewards of this land, to create a just and peaceful community.”
Sarah pondered his remarks. “But Pastor, where do we even begin?” “The problems appear to be immense.”
“We begin with the small things, Sarah,” he went on to say. “We start by being the change we want to see.
Going beyond self, do you recall Mama Anika from Kahawa, who takes in orphaned children? Or the youth group gathering funds to benefit Kajiado schools? These are God’s whispers through the storm, Sarah. They are the voices advocating for peace, justice, and a brighter future.
His comments inspired a glimmer of optimism in Sarah. Perhaps God was not absent, but rather working through the collective activities of individuals such as Mama Anika and the youth group.
“So, what can I do, Pastor?” she inquired, her voice full of determination.
Pastor Elijah grinned. “There are numerous options, Sarah. Perhaps you could volunteer at the local Kiambu Prison mission or mentor females in your church. Every act of compassion, every voice raised for peace, is a prayer that God hears.
Sarah was inspired, so she started small. Every Saturday morning, she volunteered at Githogoro’s neighborhood feeding program. She started a clothes drive in her church, collecting donations for the displaced families.
As Sarah became more involved, she discovered a network of people already working tirelessly for the betterment of Nairobi. Community leaders were organizing business meetings for networking purposes. Artists were using murals to spread messages of resilience . Slowly, the despairing headlines began to be replaced by stories of resilience and hope.
One evening, at a community meeting to discuss solutions for youth violence, Sarah met James, a young man she recognized from her church. He spoke passionately about creating after-school programs to keep kids off the streets.
“James,” Sarah said, surprised, “I never knew you were so involved in this.”
James grinned. “We all have a role to play, Sister Sarah. Pastor Elijah has been a real inspiration, reminding us that God works through us.”
As they shared stories and ideas, a sense of camaraderie filled the room. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was a testament to the collective spirit of Nairobi.
In the end, Sarah realized God’s silence wasn’t a void, but a call to action. It was an invitation to use her voice, her skills, her faith to create the change she longed to see in her city and business.
Is God quiet?
From Biblical texts there are times that God seemed silent yet in his silence he spoke:
David in Distress (Psalm 22)
King David, a man after God’s own heart, experienced periods of feeling abandoned. In Psalm 22, he cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1). Despite his devotion, David felt God’s silence in the midst of his troubles.
The Silence Towards Job (Book of Job)
The story of Job is a prime example of God’s seeming silence. Job, a righteous man, endures immense suffering and loss. He questions God’s motives and pleads for answers, but receives no explanation for his hardships. For chapters, God remains silent, testing Job’s faith. (Job 1-37)
Habakkuk’s Cry for Justice (Habakkuk 1:2-4)
The prophet Habakkuk witnesses injustice and wickedness around him. He cries out to God, “How long, Lord, must I cry for help, and you do not hear? Or cry out to you about violence, and you do not save? You make me see iniquity, and you look at wrongdoing. Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict arises.” (Habakkuk 1:2-4). Habakkuk feels God’s silence in the face of suffering.
The Silent Night Before the Exodus (Exodus 10:21-29)
The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and longed for deliverance. God had sent plagues to Pharaoh, but freedom seemed out of reach. The night before the final plague, a thick darkness descended upon Egypt. This silence, a tangible absence of light, might have felt like God’s indifference to their suffering. (Exodus 10:21-29)
The Disciples in the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
Even Jesus’ disciples experienced moments of God’s seeming silence. Caught in a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee, they cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” (Mark 4:38). Though Jesus was present, they felt alone in their fear.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
Though Your presence may feel hidden at times, forgive our doubt and inability to see that You have never abandoned us. Deliver us from the isolation of our own worries and lead us to the comfort of knowing You are God, and all creation belongs to You
Song of the week:
You are God alone From before time began You were on Your throne You are God alone And right now In the good times and bad You are on Your throne You are God alone
