#219 Title Why don’t I hear from God any more? (Replay)
Digest
Tom Wright, a renowned theologian, shares his personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis and the challenges of slowing down his busy schedule. He reflects on the complexities of prayer, particularly the experience of sincere seekers who don't seem to find God. He emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel and recognizing that God's answers may not always be what we expect. Wright also addresses the question of God's silence, suggesting that maturity in faith involves delayed gratification and a deeper seeking of God's presence. He highlights the importance of Scripture reading and the various ways God speaks to individuals, emphasizing that it's not always a direct voice but can be through prompting, intuition, or even through theological study. He concludes by sharing his own experiences of hearing God's voice and the importance of finding what works for each individual in their spiritual journey.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Ask NT Write Anything podcast, a replay of past episodes featuring Tom Wright's theological insights. It also provides information on how to access more resources and updates.
Tom Wright's Health Update
This Chapter focuses on Tom Wright's recent health challenges, including his diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and the impact it has had on his life and work. He shares his journey of seeking treatment and the support he has received from friends and family.
God's Hiddenness and Prayer
This Chapter delves into the question of why sincere seekers may not find God, exploring the complexities of prayer and the challenges of understanding God's will. Tom Wright offers insights from his own experiences and biblical examples, emphasizing the importance of seeking wise counsel and recognizing that God's answers may not always be what we expect.
Hearing God's Voice
This Chapter explores the question of how to discern God's voice in prayer, particularly when we feel like we've missed His guidance. Tom Wright shares his own experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of humility, hope, and the various ways God speaks to individuals. He highlights the role of Scripture reading, intuition, and the importance of finding what works for each individual in their spiritual journey.
Keywords
Tom Wright
Tom Wright is a renowned New Testament scholar, theologian, and author. He is known for his work on the New Testament, particularly his contributions to the study of Paul's letters and the historical Jesus. He is also a popular speaker and teacher, known for his engaging and accessible style.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but most commonly affects the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. RA can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint damage. There is no cure for RA, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Prayer
Prayer is a form of communication with a deity or deities. It can be a way to express gratitude, ask for guidance, seek forgiveness, or simply connect with a higher power. Prayer can be practiced individually or in groups, and can take many forms, including spoken, written, or silent prayer.
God's Hiddenness
God's hiddenness refers to the idea that God is not always readily apparent or easily understood. This can be a source of frustration for those seeking a clear and direct connection with God. It can also be a source of faith, as it requires trust and reliance on God's unseen presence.
Scripture
Scripture refers to the sacred writings of a particular religion. In Christianity, Scripture refers to the Bible, which is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. Scripture is considered to be the word of God and is a source of guidance, inspiration, and comfort for believers.
Discernment
Discernment is the ability to make wise judgments and decisions, particularly in matters of faith. It involves listening to God's voice, seeking guidance from others, and carefully considering the implications of different choices.
Delayed Gratification
Delayed gratification is the ability to resist immediate rewards in favor of larger or more long-term rewards. It is a key aspect of maturity and self-control, and can be applied to various aspects of life, including prayer and spiritual growth.
Christian Maturity
Christian maturity refers to the process of growing in faith and understanding of God. It involves developing a deeper relationship with God, becoming more like Christ, and living out one's faith in a consistent and authentic way.
Voice of Conscience
The voice of conscience refers to the inner voice that guides us toward what is right and wrong. It is often associated with moral intuition and the ability to discern between good and evil. It can be a powerful source of guidance in our daily lives.
Q&A
Why do sincere seekers seem to still not find God?
Tom Wright suggests that there may be underlying emotional or relational blocks that need to be addressed. He also emphasizes that God's answers may not always be what we expect and that we need to be open to His will, even if it's different from what we initially prayed for.
Why don't I hear God speaking to me as often as I used to?
Tom Wright suggests that maturity in faith can involve a shift in the way God communicates. He compares it to the way parents interact with their children as they grow older, using more mature language and communication styles. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and waiting for His response, even if it takes time.
What should I do when I feel like I've missed God's guidance in prayer?
Tom Wright encourages humility and hope. He suggests that God may be using our prayers in a different way than we initially intended and that we need to be open to His unexpected plans. He also emphasizes the importance of continuing to seek God's will and trusting in His timing.
How do you sense God speaking to you?
Tom Wright shares that he often hears God's voice through Scripture reading, prompting, and unexpected doors opening. He emphasizes the importance of finding what works for each individual in their spiritual journey and that God's voice can be experienced in various ways.
Show Notes
Originally Aired: 23 February 2023
• Subscribe to the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast: https://pod.link/1441656192
• More shows, free eBook, newsletter, and sign up to ask Tom your questions: https://premierunbelievable.com
• For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/courses
• Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
Table of contents
United States
