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Easter, celebrated on April 20, 2025, in Nigeria, marks the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of Christian faith symbolizing hope and renewal. Yet, the day before, Holy Saturday, embodies a profound yet often overlooked period of waiting; between the pain of Good Friday’s crucifixion and the promise of Easter Sunday’s resurrection. This article, “When God Is silent: The Power of Waiting Between Pain and Promise,” explores this in-between space, where God’s silence can feel palpable, yet much is being prepared. For Nigeria’s vibrant Christian community, facing economic, social, and personal challenges, understanding this season of waiting offers spiritual insight and practical hope. This article illuminates the transformative power of waiting on God.

The In-Between Space: A Theological Perspective

Waiting is a central theme in Christian theology, woven through biblical narratives that resonate deeply with believers. Abraham and Sarah waited decades for a promised child (Genesis 21:1-7), and the disciples awaited the Holy Spirit’s arrival (Acts 1:4-5). These stories suggest that waiting is not passive but an active engagement with God’s timing. Pastor Enoch Adeboye, a prominent Nigerian pastor, addresses this in his sermon “When God Is Silent,” emphasizing that God’s silence is not absence but a period of preparation and testing. He encourages believers to trust God’s character, even when answers are delayed, reinforcing that faith grows in these silent seasons. Theological journals, such as the Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology, provide further context, noting that African Christianity often views waiting as a communal act that strengthens faith and resilience. John Piper, in his article “Waiting When God Seems Silent,” adds that God speaks through His word and creation, even when we struggle to hear, urging believers to listen actively during silence. This perspective is vital for Nigerians, where waiting often accompanies life’s challenges, from economic instability to personal aspirations.

Practical Examples in the Nigerian Context

In Nigeria, waiting on God is a tangible experience, shaped by the nation’s unique socio-economic and cultural landscape. Many young Nigerians, aspiring to study or work abroad, face prolonged waits for visa approvals or scholarships. During these periods, faith communities provide spiritual and emotional support, with prayer meetings and testimonies sustaining hope. In regions like the North East and Middle Belt, Christians endure waiting for peace amidst insecurity from groups like Boko Haram. Between January 2019 and March 2020, over 1,500 Christians were killed in North-Eastern Nigeria and in 2025, Nigerians are faced with the killing of Christians in Plateau State, yet faith remains a source of hope. Testimonies of survivors highlight how waiting on God sustains believers through persecution. Economically, Nigerians often wait for financial breakthroughs, with churches offering practical aid like food banks and skill programs, embodying communal waiting. These examples illustrate how waiting is both a personal and collective act, deeply rooted in Nigerian Christian life.

Reflecting on Your Holy Saturday

Every believer encounters a “Holy Saturday” season; a time when God seems silent, whether during unemployment, illness, or relational strife. Reflecting on these moments can be transformative. Have you experienced such a season? Perhaps you waited for a job, healing, or reconciliation. How did you navigate it? Did you find strength in prayer, scripture, or community? For Nigerians, these reflections are particularly poignant, given the nation’s challenges. Isaiah 40:31 offers encouragement: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (The Holy Bible). By journaling or discussing these experiences with a church group, readers can recognize waiting as a season of growth, trusting that God is preparing something greater.

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Conclusion

“When God Is Silent: The Power of Waiting Between Pain and Promise” reveals the profound significance of waiting in the Christian journey. For Nigerians, navigating economic hardships, insecurity, and personal aspirations, this message is both timely and empowering. Holy Saturday’s silence precedes Easter’s triumph, reminding believers that God’s silence is not abandonment but preparation. By embracing waiting with faith, Nigerians can find hope and strength, confident that God’s promises will unfold in His perfect timing. This Easter, may reflection on personal “Holy Saturday” seasons inspire renewed trust in God’s unseen work.

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This article was first published on 19th April 2025
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preciousgift-nwaeze

Preciousgift is an exceptionally gifted Nigerian writer with a robust theological background and an unwavering passion for gospel music. Alongside crafting uplifting gospel content, he demonstrates expertise in writing about education, communication, and technology, showcasing his remarkable versatility across various subjects.