Why Doesn't God Work Miracles Sometimes?

The certainty of God's work in miracles—a divine intervention in the chaos and troubles —is a sustaining aspect of our faith and practice. We generally await visible evidence of God's power and compassion in all problematic situations. However, the non-appearance of miracles, particularly in times of terrible need, increases deep theological and logical questions. Why does an almighty and kind God choose not to intervene in some of the situations where a miracle could prevent misery or unfairness? One of the challenges here is the belief that the miracle is the evidence of the presence of God in our lives. When we see the absence of God's work and intervention at the moments of our need, it raises doubt in the attitude of faith and the presence of God Almighty. 

This article seeks to explore the multifaceted and complex reasons behind God's apparent silence in moments of human prayer. By examining theological perceptions, logical arguments, and practical inferences, we aim to understand why miracles are sometimes pending and how this forms a relationship between faith, anticipation, and divine providence. This investigation will provide insights into the nature of trust, the purpose of misery, and the broader divine plan that may transcend human understanding.

PERSPECTIVE OF THE DIVINE WILL 

From a theological viewpoint, the absence of miracles can be explained in terms of divine will and purpose. God is almighty, and He has his own perfect will. The will of God is perfect even while we don’t see it working in the time and space we desire. The will of God transcends all our understanding, and we see it after we pass through God's silence. One of the classical examples is the Book of Job, in which no answer was possible to the suffering of the righteous. Later, when everything falls in line, we realise the fact that the will of God was to prosper job and to prove the faith. 

The will of God demands surrender. The perfect submission to the will of God reveals the ideal outcome. It requires absolute trust in God and faith in His promises. God's ideal will is rooted in His omniscience and omnipotence. He knows the past, present, and future, and His plans are intended with a purpose that is ultimately for our good, even if we cannot immediately notice it. This divine will is not always easy to distinguish, and it can occasionally seem at odds with our wishes or understanding of what is good. However, believing in God's flawless will means having confidence in the aspect that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

In our daily lives, we come across situations that test our faith and understanding. We may face trials, grief, or unanswered prayers that make us question God's existence and His strategies. In these moments, we are entitled to submit our limited perspectives and trust in God's more excellent plans. The story of Joseph in the Bible is a powerful example. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph tolerated many adversities. Yet, through his faith and trust in God, he rose to a position of power and was able to save many lives during a famine. What his brothers intended for harm, God used for good (Genesis 50:20), and that was the will of God.

THE STRENGTHENING ASPECT

The Bible often portrays suffering as a way individuals are tested or strengthened. Suffering is an inescapable part of the human condition, manifesting in various forms such as physical pain, emotional distress, or existential crises. Despite its universally unwelcome nature, suffering can be a powerful catalyst for individual growth and transformation. Throughout history, many philosophical, religious, and psychological perspectives have examined the role of suffering in strengthening individuals, recommending that adversity, while painful, often fosters faith, empathy, and deeper understanding.

One of the most noteworthy ways suffering reinforces strength in individuals is by nurturing resilience. Resilience refers to the capability to endure and recover from problems, adapting to challenging circumstances with a sense of determination and hope. That is how children of God develop their strength of faith. When faced with suffering, individuals are often compelled to dig deep within themselves to find the strength and resources necessary to cope and survive. It is at this point the depth of their trust and faith is revealed. This process can reveal inner strengths and capabilities that might have otherwise remained inactive. The concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG) illustrates this phenomenon, where individuals who experience traumatic events report positive changes, such as increased inner strength, improved relationships, and a greater appreciation for life. Life is more pragmatic when one recovers from the confused stages of crisis in one’s own life itself. 

CULTIVATING EMPATHY AND COMPASSION

Experiencing pain and hardship and the silence of God often enhances one’s capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. The answer to why God is absent in our suffering points to this very truth. The empathy achieved through the complex realities of life can lead a person to greater compassion, and it motivates individuals to support and care for those who are suffering. The concept of "karuna", or compassion, emphasises that recognising and understanding one’s own suffering is critical to developing genuine empathy for others. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we can give them the same comfort God has given us. The more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ( 2 Corinthians 1: 4-6).

Individuals who have endured significant suffering frequently channel their experiences into helping others facing similar struggles. For instance, survivors of illness, abuse, or addiction often become potent advocates and support systems for others undergoing similar challenges. Their knowledge of suffering allows them to connect with others on a deep level, offering understanding and hope that can be transformative. One of the most profound ways suffering engenders compassion is by recognising shared human vulnerability. When individuals experience suffering, they often come to realise that pain and hardship are universal experiences. This recognition breaks down barriers of perceived separateness, fostering a sense of connection with others who suffer. For instance, someone who has endured the grief of losing a loved one may find themselves more empathetic towards others experiencing similar losses. This shared vulnerability creates a bond that transcends individual differences, highlighting our shared humanity.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH 

The psychological and spiritual influence of God's silence can be profound to all of us. Feelings of doubt, loneliness, and frustration are common. Spiritually, believers might question their faith, feel aloof from God, and be tempted to give up their spiritual practices. However, these challenging emotions and struggles can serve as agents for growth. 

One of the primary ways God's silence contributes to spiritual growth is by testing and strengthening faith. Just as gold is refined through fire, faith is often strengthened through trials. During periods of silence, believers are forced to confront their doubts and rely more fully on their faith. This process can lead to a more healthy and mature faith that is not easily shaken by external circumstances.

Furthermore, God's silence can teach believers to develop their trust in Him. In times of silence, individuals learn to rely less on their own understanding and more on God's wisdom and timing. This can lead to a deeper trust and surrender to God's will. Silence also provides an opportunity for more profound prayer and reflection, naturally helping us to seek a more intimate relationship with God.

Responding to God's silence requires active patience and waiting. The Bible encourages believers to wait on the Lord, promising renewed strength to those who do (Isaiah 40:31). During these times, it is crucial to maintain spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and worship, even when God feels distant. Additionally, seeking support from a faith community can provide encouragement and guidance. Personal and communal testimonies can also be powerful reminders of the growth that can come from God's silence. Many individuals have endured periods of silence and emerged with a stronger faith. Their stories testify to the transformative power of perseverance and trust in God. 

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Periods of God's silence are recurring themes throughout the Bible, often serving as the deepest trouble in the lives of biblical characters. These moments of divine quietness provide valuable lessons on faith, trust, and spiritual awakening. By examining the responses of various biblical figures, we gain valuable insights into navigating our own experiences of God's silence. 

The foremost example of divine silence and a spiritual response is found in the Book of  Job. Job felt the silence of God during his enormous suffering; he is seen crying out, "I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me" (Job 30:20). Job's story is one of profound suffering and divine silence. After losing his wealth, children, and health, Job seeks answers from God, only to be met with silence. Job's response is a mixture of anguish and steadfast faith. Despite his deep sorrow and confusion, he declares, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). Job's relentless quest for understanding and his refusal to curse God demonstrate a profound faith that endures despite the silence. Job teaches us that it is okay to question and express our pain, but maintaining hope and trust in God's sovereignty is crucial, even when we don't receive immediate answers.  

Similarly, King David, in his Psalms, many times stated a sense of divine silence, saying, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1). King David frequently felt silence by God, particularly during times of intense personal distress and danger, as reflected in many of his psalms. David responds to God's silence by persistent prayer and worship. In Psalm 22, he cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" yet he continues to praise God, saying, "You are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises" (Psalm 22:3). David's example shows that continuing to seek God through prayer and worship, even in times of silence and distress, can sustain and renew our faith.

The prophet Elijah experienced a profound sense of isolation and divine silence after his victory over the prophets of Baal. Fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel, he felt abandoned and despondent. Elijah's encounter with God on Mount Horeb is striking. He experiences a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire, but God is not in these dramatic events. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). Elijah's story teaches us that God's presence may not always be evident in dramatic ways; sometimes, it is in the quiet, subtle moments that we find Him. We need to be attentive and patient, listening for His gentle whisper. 

When Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, falls ill, the sisters send word to Jesus, expecting Him to come immediately. However, Jesus delays His visit, and Lazarus dies. Mary and Martha express their disappointment and grief to Jesus when He finally arrives. Martha says, "Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Despite their sorrow, both sisters still trust in Jesus' power, and Martha even expresses belief in the resurrection. Mary and Martha's experience shows that even when God seems to delay or remain silent, He has a greater plan at work. Their story reminds us to trust in God's timing and His ultimate power over life and death. 

Even Jesus Christ experienced divine silence during His crucifixion, voicing it with the emotional words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). These examples demonstrate that divine silence is not a sign of abandonment or divine disfavour but a part of the spiritual journey. Despite this profound sense of forsakenness, Jesus ultimately surrenders to God's will, saying, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). Jesus' response teaches us the ultimate act of faith—complete surrender to God's will, even in the face of silence and suffering. His example encourages us to trust in God's greater purpose and His unfailing love.

HOW SHOULD WE NAVIGATE THROUGH DIVINE SILENCE?

First of all, maintaining a discipline of prayer is very important at times of God's silence; even when it feels like talking into the void, it is crucial. Persistent prayer signifies unwavering faith and dependence on God, as illustrated by the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. We must also maintain the word of God within us at these significant challenges. God's word remains a steadfast guide during silent periods. Immersing oneself in Scripture can provide comfort, guidance, and reassurance of God's unchanging nature and promises. Next is to engage with a faith community to see the support of the faithful around us. Engaging with a faith community offers encouragement and perspective. Fellow believers can provide support, share their own experiences of divine silence, and pray together.

Accepting the belief that God is sovereign and His timing is perfect helps believers trust that silence has a purpose. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Learning to be comfortable with silence, practising contemplative prayer, and being still before God can transform silence into a profound spiritual discipline. It gets its completeness at times of divine silence.