In March 2014, I, and many of my acquaintances were experiencing more silence than usual. The warfare was intense but the conversation from the Lord, less than normal. I asked the Lord, “What have I done to warrant Your silence? Am I in ‘time out’?”

“No, you are in ‘time in.’ This is a practicum, a time for putting what you’ve learned into practice, evaluating strengths and weakness, going back to the instruction book and review. The test is yet ahead. This is preparation for the test. You must face the test in confidence, where you will ‘know that you know’ and nothing or anyone can dissuade you.

In the army, they call these maneuvers. Teamwork forms in maneuvers. Trust comes into place. Orders and response times are fine-tuned. Operations are ingrained.

Every army, to be successful, must know how to follow orders and work as a unit with each other and its commander. Only a commander who wants victory and cares for his troops will be stringent with maneuvers. Discipline may seem harsh at the moment but ultimately will save your life and others.

Waiting is part of the training. You must not move until I move, nor speak until I say speak.”

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” NKJV

Psalm 144:1

Blessed be the Lord my Rock,

Who trains my hands for war,

And my fingers for battle — NKJV

John 12:49-50 “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.” NKJV

If you are experiencing a season of silence with the Lord, look back. What was the last thing He told you to do? If you didn’t act on His instructions, repent and start now. What have you been learning about Him that you need to trust right now? If you have done what He said, practice your trust. He is faithful to His word. AND chill out. It’s hard to hear Him when you are stressed to hear. Rest in His faithfulness to speak and spend time thanking Him for who He is.