Beshoy Mahrous

Why does God delay in answering?

 Why do I pray, weep, fast—and still, silence?

In this soul-piercing sermon by Pope Shenouda III, known for his divine wisdom and spirit-led counsel, we explore one of the hardest and holiest questions:

 Why does God seem far away in times of pain?
“Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1) And many of us today echo this cry.
But maybe God’s silence isn’t absence. Maybe it’s preparation. Maybe it’s grace.

Through powerful biblical stories—from Abraham to Joseph, Hannah to Elijah, from the Psalms to Isaiah and the New Testament—we uncover the deep truth:

 God may delay, but He never forgets.

He works in silence. He prepares in stillness.

 His “delay” is often His way of strengthening our soul, deepening our trust, cleansing our heart, and shaping us for a greater purpose.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
This message is for every soul that has whispered,

 “Lord, I’ve waited so long. Where are You?”

“Faith is not believing that God will work… it is knowing that He is already working.” (John 5:17) “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” (Joel 2:25)

📖 Let this message bring peace to the restless, calm to the weary, and hope to the discouraged.

Beshoy Shenouda Mahrous

Pope Shenouda III - English Sermons

Why God Delays in Answering? and left me Alone with My Pains: Lord, Why Do You Stand Far Off?, God’s Delay… or My Transformation?, When God Waits – And I’m Left Alone