The Latent Period of Faith • Deshen Daily

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:24 KJV)

latent period of faith showing a boy receiving a certificate

Of the many challenges in our walk of faith, few are as difficult to manage as the moments when God appears silent. This period of spiritual silence, or as I often call it, the latent period of faith, has been the source of countless disappointments and lost miracles.

Jesus indirectly explains the latent period of faith in Mark 11:24. He says when we pray, we should believe we receive what we ask. Like Abraham, we receive from God the moment we believe His words to us( Rom. 4:18). Since God is spirit and relates to us Spirit-spirit, we first receive from Him spiritually. That means we already have what we ask the moment we believe Him.

But receiving in our spirit is not enough. Provision, healing, or direction in our spirit will not solve any of our problems until that which is in our spirit moves from spirit to the physical realm. So having a spiritual blessing and possessing it physically are distinct but closely related entities.

Receiving from God spiritually and having it physically do not always occur at the same time. This latent period—the difference in time between these two occurrences—can be frustrating and tempting because it appears nothing is happening physically. And since God seems to be silent or the situation seems to defy our faith, many of us end up giving up and losing our miracles.

Some miracles occur instantaneously, but others may take days, months, or even years. What we do in this waiting, silent or latent period is crucial to the outcome. Do not let Satan kick your miracle out of your hand during your latent period. As a child of Abraham, do not stagger on the Word but be strong in faith, giving glory to God.

Are you currently in a latent period in any area of your life?

Few things will tempt your faith as continuing to believe God when nothing is changing physically. Let your eyes be fixed on the spirit realm, and do not stagger on the Word. Do not lose your miracle because of impatience, fear, or doubt.

Ask the Spirit to strengthen you in faith, so you do not stagger at the Word during the latent period.