How many times have you called somebody on your cellphone, and while you know the call is connected, you don’t hear anything on the other end. You keep saying, “Hello, hello! Are you there?” But, still no response. Bad cell service, bad connection, bad something!

Sometimes, when I’m going through certain situations, I feel like I get the same response from God. I am praying and seeking God, and I know He is listening, but I just don’t seem to hear Him on the other end of my prayer.

The uncertainty of not getting that instant confirmation that He really heard me is truly frustrating. It makes me feel like I’m not in control, or that I did something wrong, or maybe I didn’t say my prayer the “right way.” So then, the waiting begins. No matter what circumstance or situation that we are going through, waiting is always difficult.

But God says He is there. And I do believe He is there. As we read the Word of God, we read about all the events where God’s presence was so clear and evident. Sometimes His answer is not in what we hear, but in the way He speaks to us through our senses, through Scripture, through a word from a believing friend, and, yes, sometimes we actually do feel that we hear His voice. Ultimately, He is always communicating with us through His powerful presence.

Seek God’s presence in prayer and praise and worship. Try to remember all the times that God showed up in our lives. We need to focus on that reality, that truth. I know it’s hard, and honestly sometimes seems impossible. But it is also important to think back on these times and remember that with God, all things are possible.

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

God says, “I hear you, I see you, I know you, I am with you because you are My children.” Let God’s peace and love be your sanctuary.

Toni Ceglia, contributor