Don't Fear When Heaven Seems Silent
David Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in God's presence during times of spiritual dryness and to find joy in trials as a path to deeper faith.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of faith during times of spiritual dryness, using the example of the disciples who, after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus, returned to their old lives out of fear and sorrow. Despite experiencing the miraculous, they struggled with the absence of Christ and felt abandoned, reflecting a common human experience of feeling distant from God. Wilkerson reassures believers that such dry spells are not signs of God's absence but rather opportunities for growth and deeper faith. He encourages the faithful to remain steadfast and rejoice in their trials, as they are partaking in Christ's sufferings and moving towards greater spiritual maturity.
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Jesus had just been crucified and buried when Peter and the other disciples decided to meet together. They were assembled behind a locked door, fearing for their lives, when they heard these exciting words: "He's alive!"
Suddenly, Jesus walked through the locked door in his resurrected body and said to them, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). He was saying, "Fear not! It is I, your Lord." Now, tell me, if you had been in that room, wouldn't you say this was the most incredible sight you could ever witness? Wouldn't you be convinced that you could never doubt again?
Yet, what followed this greatest of all spiritual highs? "Peter said to them, 'I am going fishing'" (John 21:3). Six of the disciples followed Peter to the lake, in effect returning to their lives as fishermen. Why? What had happened to the great ministry God had called them to?
These men had fallen into deep sorrow because of something Jesus had warned them about: "In a little while, and you will not see Me ... and you will be sorrowful" (John 16:19-20). Christ knew his devoted followers would experience a very low period after he returned to heaven; they were going to be overwhelmed by his physical absence in their lives. Even though he had promised he would be with them (see Matthew 28:20), it seemed he was leaving them to make it on their own.
Have you ever experienced a dry spell when you felt as if God had left you on your own? You may have been hearing God's voice clearly and your fellowship with him was wonderful. Then one day you woke up and the heavens seemed as brass.
Beloved, when this happens, do not panic! Peter advises us, "Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you ... but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings" (1 Peter 4:12-13). The truth is, even though it may not seem like it, if you are on dry ground, you are on your way to greater things in your spiritual walk.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the disciples' fear after Jesus' crucifixion
- The significance of Jesus' resurrection appearance
- The initial reaction of the disciples
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II
- Peter's decision to return to fishing
- The implications of returning to former ways
- Understanding the disciples' sorrow
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III
- Jesus' warning about their sorrow
- The promise of His presence
- The challenge of feeling abandoned
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IV
- Experiencing spiritual dry spells
- The importance of not panicking
- Finding hope in trials
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V
- The role of suffering in spiritual growth
- Rejoicing in trials
- Moving towards greater spiritual maturity
Key Quotes
“Peace be with you.” — David Wilkerson
“Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” — David Wilkerson
“If you are on dry ground, you are on your way to greater things in your spiritual walk.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- When feeling abandoned by God, remember His promises and seek His presence.
- Rejoice in trials, as they are opportunities for spiritual growth.
- Stay connected to your faith community during difficult times for support and encouragement.