If you listen to most modern day preachers, the only reason possible that God isn't answering your prayers is sin. Or it could possibly be a lack of faith on your part. Or maybe your just not close enough to God. But, a careful look at scripture and early church father and preachers would tell a different story. The truth is, that God sometimes seem to hide himself just at those moment where we may feel like we need Him the most. One example I was thinking of is Abraham.
You remember the story of Abraham. He was promised a child when he was in his 70's. His wife was a card carrying member of the senior citizen group and pregnant. Abraham was well into his senior years himself and still no kid. After God first promises Abraham a son, 25 years go by without an answer. You might not notice if you read fast, but Abraham is near 100 years old before the promise is fulfilled. When God does finally show up and say something he doesn't explain the wait either. He just affirms his promise to Abraham again. Sarah's response was to laugh.
Or maybe the story of Job. Job complains like a 5 year old that didn't get a treat at the birthday party. Where is God? I want to let God know my complaint? I can relate to that. But, when God does show up does God say, "You know what Job, your right. I am a little late. Sorry about all those sores." No, God just shows up and for Job it seems enough.
I have struggled at times to deal with the silence of God. "God where are you at and why aren't you. . . " It appears that I am not alone. In fact, it seems to be a common experience. I think part of the reason for this is that God wants to challenge us to grow up. God wants to call us to walk by faith and not simply warm fuzzy feelings. God wants us to trust Him when we don't see Him at work. The faith is based not on what we see, but on God's reputation. We know that God is good and that He knows how to give good gifts to His children. So, we have to trust Him when we don't see anything happening.
In James 1 that I have been looking at, James tells us that we should not be like a person who is double minded and full of doubt. Then he goes on to say that the reason for our faith is that God does not tempt anyone nor can he be influenced by temptation. John said it this way, because God is light and there is no darkness in His at all. It is good to know that God isn't like the old mythological gods that might bother someone or trick someone like life is a big game. Furthermore, God is a God who is with us. He sees our pain and has struggled himself in a human body on earth, so he understands.
