Billy Holland argues waiting on God requires enduring silence
The chaplain and author contends that immediate answers to prayer are rare, citing biblical figures who waited years for divine intervention.
By Ryan Davidson ·
Dr. Billy Holland, an ordained minister and chaplain, has published a new essay arguing that waiting for divine intervention does not indicate a negative answer. He maintains that patience is essential for maintaining spiritual peace during difficult periods.
Holland writes in his column for the Grand Forks Herald that many people struggle to remain calm when they are hurting. He suggests that this struggle is often caused by a modern tendency toward instant gratification. He notes that believers frequently say short prayers and expect immediate results. When those results do not arrive by the end of the day, they often move on to other pursuits.
The chaplain challenges this expectation. He states that God does not always work in a way that provides immediate answers. He compares the process of waiting to a ladder that helps individuals climb out of discouragement. He argues that this period of silence allows believers to rise to a higher level of personal peace.
Holland draws on the Song of Solomon to illustrate the dangers of impatience. He references chapter two, where a woman warns her future husband about little foxes damaging grapevines. In his interpretation, the foxes represent attacks of frustration and anxiety. The vines symbolize relationships, specifically the bond between a person and God. He urges readers to remain focused on God's promises to prevent negative distractions from ruining faith.
The essay cites several biblical figures who endured long periods of waiting. Holland points to Abraham and Sarah, who were told they would have a special child. Isaac was born decades later. He also mentions Hannah, who prayed for a child and gave birth to Samuel years after her request. Job suffered and waited before God delivered him. Moses prayed for the Israelites, but the Lord did not respond until after a long period of wandering. Daniel interceded intensely, but his answer arrived 21 days later.
Holland uses these examples to emphasize patience. He writes that the lack of immediate miracles does not mean God is saying no. He rejects the idea that heaven functions like a vending machine where a button press yields an instant result. He asserts that the divine blueprint requires submission to a perfect will that may not align with human timing.
The author advises readers to protect their minds and hearts from outside influences. He references the book of Ephesians, which describes spiritual armor. He notes that the helmet and breastplate protect against the dangerous arrows of outside influences. He warns that negative circumstances can trigger harmful reactions if a person absorbs and agrees with them. Anger, sadness, and self-pity are identified as forces that can ruin lives when hope is abandoned.
Holland concludes by urging believers to hold on a little longer. He quotes Hebrews 11:6, which declares that without faith it is impossible to please God. He states that God wants the best for those who are waiting. He encourages readers to guard their conscience from depression and despair. He advises them to stand strong in their faith based on the promises they know God has made. Dr. Billy Holland is a Christian author. More of his work on the Christian life is available at billyhollandministries.com.
