One of the last sermons at the end of 2024 explored a question that touches the very core of our human experience: “Where is God When We Fall?” Based on 1 Samuel 30:1-20, the sermon resonated deeply with many of us. David’s story in Ziklag, faced with loss, grief, and eventual restoration, gave us a powerful picture of how God meets us in our most desperate moments. Yet, as we reflect on the message, it’s important to get deeper into a particularly challenging aspect. What about those who have sought God with all their heart and haven’t seen a breakthrough? How do we explain this to those who have lost loved ones after long illnesses or those who fail to recover from their struggles?
The first step is to acknowledge the reality of the pain and complexity of such experiences. As Christians, we are not called to offer shallow answers but to empathise deeply with those who are suffering. Even faithful people in Scripture experienced prolonged suffering without immediate explanations or breakthroughs. Consider Job, who lost everything and didn’t initially receive an explanation for his suffering (Job 1-2). Or Paul, who speaks of his “thorn in the flesh” that God did not remove despite his pleading to God. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
The Lesson is “God does not always give us the outcomes we hope for, but that doesn’t mean He is absent or uncaring. His purposes often extend beyond what we can understand.”
Understanding Breakthrough and God’s Presence
Breakthroughs are often misunderstood. While we naturally equate them with immediate healing, restoration, or success, and these are indeed significant breakthroughs when they happen, God’s ultimate goal is not just to meet our temporal needs. His greater purpose is to grow us spiritually, draw us closer to Him, and prepare us for eternity.
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This doesn’t mean everything will turn out how we want, but God works through even the hardest situations to bring eternal good.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18: Paul describes our “light and momentary troubles” as preparing us for “an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
The Lesson is “Sometimes the breakthrough isn’t what we expect. It may be a deeper faith, deeper peace, greater compassion, or a stronger hope in the eternal promises of God.”
In moments of suffering, what people often need most is not a quick solution but the assurance of God’s presence and not just His answers. The Bible repeatedly promises that God is near to the brokenhearted and walks with us through our trials.
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
The Lesson is “Even when we don’t see the answer we long for, God promises to walk with us through the fire and the flood. He is with us in our pain, giving strength and comfort.”
Trusting in God’s Bigger Plan
Sometimes, God’s purposes are beyond what we see in this life. Jesus Himself wept at the death of Lazarus, even though He knew He would raise him (John 11:35). This shows that grief and faith can coexist, and God’s plan is often mysterious.
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”
The Lesson is “We may not understand why some prayers seem unanswered, but we can trust in God’s wisdom and love. His plans are higher than ours.”
Pointing to the Cross
The ultimate example of God working through suffering is the cross. Jesus’ death seemed like a failure to those who witnessed it, but it brought about the greatest victory in history. This reminds us that God can bring life and redemption even in the darkest moments.
Romans 8:32: “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Our Lesson is “The cross shows us that God understands our pain and is working for our ultimate good, even when we can’t see it yet.”
Offering Hope in Eternity
For believers, the ultimate breakthrough is not in this life but in the promise of eternal life with God. This eternal perspective gives us hope and assurance that our struggles are not in vain. It reminds us that no matter how difficult our journey is, God’s eternal promises remain unwavering and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
1 Corinthians 15:54-55: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
The Lesson is “God’s promises are not just for this life but for eternity. Even when we don’t see the breakthrough here, we have the hope of eternal restoration and joy in His presence.”
Practical Lessons
- Prayer Honest: Like David in the Psalms, bring your pain and questions to God. He welcomes your honesty and meets you in your vulnerability.
- Affirm Your Faith: Seek God, even in the midst of unanswered prayers, as an act of profound faith. Hold onto that faith, even when the struggle feels overwhelming.
- Read the Bible: Stay rooted in God’s Word. Scripture offers hope, comfort, and guidance, especially when prayers seem unanswered. Through the Bible, we are reminded of God’s promises and His faithfulness throughout history.
- Embrace Community: Lean into the support of your church family. God often works through the church to bring comfort and encouragement during hard times. Hold onto that faith, even when the struggle feels overwhelming.
Conclusion
For those who have sought God and not seen the breakthrough they longed for, Acts 17:28 remains true: “For in him we live and move and have our being.” While your journey might not look like others, you are sustained by His presence. Trust that He is walking with you, even in the unanswered prayers. God’s faithfulness transcends our immediate circumstances, and His unwavering love is a constant source of strength, carrying you through both the answered and unanswered prayers. and His love carries us through both the answered and unanswered prayers.