Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.
– 2 Chronicles 32:31
God wanted to see what was in Hezekiah’s heart – not what he wanted others to think but what really was important to him, what he actually believed. So, He withdrew “in order to test him.”
This can happen in our lives, too. God always is with us, but He may want to see what is in our hearts. How does He do this? At times, He may seem silent or distant. He may not answer our prayers immediately or provide the direction we need right away.
How do we respond during these times? Become discouraged? Feel abandoned? Assume He will not answer our prayers?
The Bible assures us that God is with us even when He is silent. Through His silences, He determines our true character. In these situations, we are weighed in the balance. He is finding out what is in our minds and hearts and learning the real conditions of our beliefs and thoughts.
If it ever feels that God is silent, realize that He may have withdrawn from you for a season. But He never has abandoned or forgotten you. He may be testing you to see what is in your heart.
Be sure you are ready for these tests. Always remember to stay faithful to His Word. Continue to declare His promises to be true. And realize that if you obey Him and remain faithful, He will pour out even greater blessings.