John the Baptist was an unconventional homeless prophet who came to prepare the way for Jesus. His ministry and mission pointed people to Christ and he humbly proclaimed that his only desire was to lift up Jesus. John spoke truth which garnered the hatred of the King’s wife. King Herod Antipas, though married, took a fancy to his brother’s wife Herodias and married her. When John spoke against this sinful relationship, Herodias wanted John killed. However, Herod had a fearful respect for John believing that he was a man of God. Herod had John arrested but was afraid to do anything more. From jail, John sent word to Jesus asking if he was the promised one or if they should expect another. John was wondering why Jesus hadn’t done something to set him free. John began to doubt himself; had he mistakenly taken Jesus for the Messiah? John was experiencing silence when he expected answers. Jesus’ reply was not what John expected. There was no earthquake to shake the doors open, no angel sent to deliver him. Ultimately Herodias got her way and John was beheaded. This is not the happy ending we desire or expect for a servant of Christ.

Scriptures
Mk 6:17-20, 27-28; Mt 11:2-6; Pr 19:21

Verse
“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Mt 11:6)
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Pr 19:21)

Thought
Sometimes we pray and pray and see no results. We ask God for answers but hear only silence. We long for his touch, his assurance, but nothing happens. As Christians who are trying to follow Christ, honor him, live for him, aren’t we entitled to some answered prayers, healing…results? John the Baptist didn’t get the answer he was praying for or expecting. He had a personal relationship with Jesus and dedicated his life to proclaiming the good news. Yet, he was not delivered. Dealing with difficult situations when God seems far away, unmoved by our pain, our pleas, and our heartache is something we can’t understand. We have a plan and when things do not turn out as we hoped and prayed, we feel separated and isolated from God. John’s life fulfilled God’s purpose—he prepared the way for Christ. Things didn’t end the way John planned nor the way we expected, but God’s purpose was fulfilled. We want to interpret God’s goodness through our circumstances, but we must rather interpret our circumstances through the lens of God’s purpose. Just because God is silent doesn’t mean He isn’t present. When we trust in God and His purpose, we can navigate through whatever circumstances come our way.

Questions
Is there an answer to prayer that has not come after seeking God fervently? Can you see any purpose God might have in not giving you the answer you want now… or ever? What thoughts/doubts would have been running through your mind if you were John? What is the greatest story of answered prayer you have experienced? What is the greatest experience of unanswered prayer that you have suffered through? How do you comfort someone who is in a time of silence?

Response
Write a prayer to God expressing your heartfelt pain for whatever unanswered situations you have.

Prayer
Dear God, you are the Creator of all things. Your ways, your wisdom and your purpose are far beyond my ability to understand. Help me to trust your purpose when I can’t understand the why or the plan. Give me confidence in you. Increase my faith and strengthen me in all circumstances. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.