Honesty is the best policy; and if I’m going to be honest, this article was tedious to write- I know this and I’m only beginning to write it.
This might give you an insight into the mindset that I have been in this week, which is a non-existent one. This is perhaps the sixth time I have sat down and attempted to write this- however this the first I have sat down and attempted to write about this topic. A topic which I’m sure you’re all on the edge of your seats to know about, this topic will be about what to do when inspiration just doesn’t strike.
We’ve all had those periods, whether you’re a creative person or striving for something, there are periods where life just stops. Everything will be in motion and then suddenly, nothing, nada, zilch.
It’s hard in these moments, particularly when you’re anticipating God to do something in your life, when you’re striving for some kind of greater connection or a divine purpose to come calling from the heavens.
You’re not alone
Waiting can be a sore spot for some people, especially when doubt occurs that you’re doing something wrong or that you’re not good enough for God to use you. However, believe it or not, this phenomenon is not rare and has occurred throughout decades or more accurately millennia.
The Bible is filled with waiting periods, that are summarised in only a few short sentences or a couple of words. This makes it easy to miss the long haul that some of our favourite Bible characters undertook.
Take a look at Joseph as an example, famously known for his fashion statement of the rainbow cloak, a renowned dreamer, once slave and then ruler of Egypt.
“Now it happened at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream, and behold, he was standing by the Nile” (Genesis chapter 41, verse 1)
The time span that Joseph spent in prison is unknown. Some put forth the idea that Joseph could have been in prison for twelve years. This scripture details that Joseph was in prison for at least two years before interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, an incident that propelled him into a new position of unfathomable authority and influence.
Next up, we have Moses. A man of earthly stature in his beginnings but then exalted as a prophet.
“After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush” (Acts chapter 7, verse 30)
Forty years. Two words are all that are given to tell the time of decades past.
Last but definitely not least, I put forth, Jesus. Known famously and intimately as the saviour of all mankind.
“When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age” (Luke chapter 3, verse 23)
Granted, depending on your age (you being whoever is reading this), thirty years of age could differ between the old or young side of things- but the point of this in particular, is that we’re discussing Jesus.
He was preaching in the temple amongst the officials when he was twelve (Luke chapter 2, verse 41-52), and yet he actively began his ministry eighteen years later.
My point throughout all of this, is that even God takes his time, and this is significant because let’s not forget God created the universe in seven days.
Unrecorded time
So what do we do during these periods of unrecorded time?
We remember that we are witnesses to God’s holy truth, and even though we might not be performing miracles or wearing rainbow cloaks, we are still a testament to Jesus.
Every interaction is a chance to show God’s character. We don’t have to be shoving the gospel down anyone’s throat, we just have to try and live in accordance with it.
When nothing is happening and you feel like your hunger is not being satisfied remember that God is always working in your life.
“I will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ And they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”(Zechariah chapter 13, verse 9)
I’m going to confess, I don’t know how long it takes to refine silver and I was unable to accurately research any specifics but my guess is that refining silver takes time, especially in biblical times when this scripture was recorded.
If you’re still waiting, don’t mistake it for the fact that you’re not progressing in your faith or achieving anything, you are merely being refined for the moment when you will be tested.