Down Times and Dry Spells

Recently I was in a session with one of our ministers, who was somewhat concerned about the recent period in his walk that seemed to be a dry spell or down time. In other words, he explained that he seemed to be alone, having to deal with trial after trial without hearing from God. He also described how he felt when he would hear others talk about their interactions with God; (i.e. how God would speak to them or show them a vision, etc). Nevertheless, none of these types of encounters with God were happening with him. He had no interactions with the Lord. However, he did state that his only comfort was in knowing that he was not in sin. But as such, the lack of interactions with God, made him feel that he was not as spiritual as those around him who spoke of such interactions. I am sure all of us have had these feelings at some point in our spiritual walk. I certainly have been right where this brother was; in my thinking and general assessment of my spirituality. But as I matured in the faith, I gained knowledge as to what these down times really were.

First of all, we must ensure that the foundation of these times are sure. That means, you must know assuredly that you are not in sin, or walking outside of the boundaries of the faith. Your righteous walk before the Lord is the key to understanding what is happening during these periods of your life when it seems you can hear nothing from the Lord.

Secondly, take note of the fact that in this period of time there usually is a major or a number of trials you face daily. In the midst of this, you might begin to wonder, "Where is God? Why doesn't He at least talk to me?” You start to feel alone and less spiritual. But the one thing that keeps you going is the knowledge that you are not in sin. Nevertheless, why can’t you hear from the Lord is your heart’s cry. After all, you can remember times when you know the Lord was speaking to you. You had visions that prophesied of things to come. You heard God speak to your spirit during your study times. But now with all these attacks and trials, why won’t He speak? Well, Jesus is our example for all that we will experience in this world.

Let us read the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.

Matthew 4:1-11

1. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6. And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

11. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for the purpose of temptation. We could even say, ‘The Holy Ghost’ told Jesus to go into the wilderness. Regardless, of how you frame it, that was the last time the Spirit spoke to Him during His ordeal. During this whole time, the only two characters we hear from are satan and Jesus. When we are led into tests and trials, these are times when God allows us to depend and draw on His influence in our hearts. Here we learn how to trust the presence of God within us. We must know that the presence of Jesus in our flesh will not allow our body to betray us. Regardless, as to how hungry He was, Jesus would not faint nor weaken to surrender to satan’s desire, as long as He relied on that which God had written in His heart.

Hebrews 10:16

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

You have to know this is more than just words on a page. You need to know that God’s Word in your heart is powerful enough to help you resist the devil. You must learn to trust the presence of God in you. The times of His speaking to you and the visions He gave were signs and wonders that confirmed His willingness to fellowship with you. But the child must be raised in fearlessness. You must not walk in the fear of falling. Therefore, the trials come to confirm His strength and His presence. His silence also allows you to exercise the power of your oneness with Him. This is very important if you are going to get through these situations righteously. To be one with the Lord is to agree with His laws and statutes. It might be easy to exercise that agreement when things are lovely and there is mutual dialogue between you and Him. But what if you are void of those conversations and visions, were they enough to establish your commitment to righteousness. In each test, it is grace, (God’s influence in your heart), that is on trial.

Finally, take note of the fact that after Jesus’ commitment to God was confirmed, the Devil left Him; and then the angels of the Lord ministered to Him. Pass your tests with the grace that God has given you and you too will hear from heaven.