The walk
When you feel nothing
Sometimes this feels pointless.
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.
John 20:24-29 · Luke 18:1-8 · Mark 14:32-36 · 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 · Psalm 13
The scene
You prayed yesterday. You're praying again today, and nothing seems different.
No sudden peace. No overwhelming sense of God's presence. Nothing that feels particularly spiritual. Just you, talking to God.
Especially when you're new to this, you might wonder:
What am I actually doing?
That question can come back when life gets difficult. You've asked God for help. You've asked for something to change, and you're still waiting.
Prayer isn't a transaction. Sometimes people describe the answers to prayer as yes, no or later. That can be useful, but it isn't a formula, and you won't always know which answer you've been given.
Paul pleaded three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be taken away.
It wasn't.
The answer he received was:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."2 Corinthians 12:9
Jesus himself prayed:
"Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire."Mark 14:36
Jesus also told his disciples about a widow who kept bringing the same request to a judge. Luke tells us why he told them the story: so they would pray and not give up.
Then there is Thomas.
After Jesus rose from the dead, Thomas struggled to believe until he saw Jesus for himself. Jesus said:
"Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."John 20:29
You won't always see, feel or understand what God is doing. You can tell him that.
"Father, I don't understand. This feels pointless. I'm still waiting."
You're still talking to him.
The point
You don't have to pretend the doubt isn't there.
Sit with this
Read Psalm 13.