When God Feels Silent but Isn’t

I had to stay home and watch church on TV today because of the weather—but even from my living room, it still hit me. It was extra special because Miss Twila (Pastor’s mom) brought the message and did the service today.

Watching From Home, Still Feeling Connected

Even through a screen, you could feel the heartbeat of the church:

• Inviting people to share their emails so nobody gets left out.
• Tithes and offerings as giving back to a God who’s already given us everything.
• December plans: reading through Luke (one chapter a day until Christmas), the Christmas events, the angel tree project, caroling, cookies, concerts, and serving families in need.

It reminded me that church isn’t just a building—it’s a family trying to follow Jesus together.

Miss Twila’s Story: Zechariah, Elizabeth, and the “Impossible”

Miss Twila shared the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in a way the kids could understand—but it landed hard for the adults, too.

They were old, faithful, and childless—living in a culture that treated that like shame. They had prayed and waited for years. Then one day, Zechariah was chosen to go into the temple and burn incense. While he was in there, an angel appeared and said:

Your wife Elizabeth will have a son named John. He will be a joy to you and will prepare the way for the Lord.

This was John the Baptist—the forerunner of Jesus.

Zechariah’s response was honest but doubtful: “How can I be sure? I’m old. My wife is old.” He was so focused on what looked impossible that he struggled to trust what God was making possible. Because of his doubt, he couldn’t speak until the promise was fulfilled. But God still kept His word. Elizabeth became pregnant, John was born, and when Zechariah could finally talk again, he used his words to praise God.

Prayers That Rise Like Incense

Miss Twila used a scented candle as a picture of prayer—how the smell rises up just like our prayers rise to God.

That image stuck with me, because a lot of us have prayers that feel unanswered. Some of us live with situations that haven’t changed and wonder if God is really listening. But the reminder today was simple and strong:

God hears. God remembers. God cares.

Our prayers are not wasted, even when the timing doesn’t look anything like we hoped.

A Word for the Tired and Discouraged

At the end, the pastor spoke to anyone who’s discouraged, heartbroken, or ready to give up. He reminded us:

God is not done with you.

Just like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we don’t keep following God to try to force Him to give us what we want. We keep following Him because He is worthy—even when we don’t see the answer yet.

As we move into Advent—the season of waiting and hoping—I’m holding onto this:

• My story isn’t over.
• Your story isn’t over.
• The God who brought life into an “impossible” place can bring hope into mine and yours, too.

Even with snow outside and church on TV, God still found a way to speak hope right into my living room.

— Josh Bridges