Have you ever noticed a time when you say a certain word, that you hear the same word in a song at that instance? Or if you are driving at night and say the word, light, that the street light comes on or goes off? Or perhaps you and a friend utter the same words at the same time before getting a good laugh about it. It is always funny to me when these random things happen. But sometimes, similar things happen that I don’t see as random at all. Like earlier this week…
But before this week… In February 2023, I began reading my Bible from cover to cover, which by the way is something I have never done, though I have read most of my Bible a few times over and over (with underlines to remind me of it). I am not using a reading plan and I’m not on a schedule with this process as I am also reading other scriptures in the Word besides the Genesis to Revelation reading. What I have found amazing is how many times I will resume after a break, or after saturating in a passage for awhile, that exactly what I’m reading matches what I am going through in life at that moment, as though it was a planned reading for that day. (Note: It was indeed planned by the Lord, as He directs our steps.)
But this past Sunday, I had just read the words from Acts 15:12, (“The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabus and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them.”) when I received a FB message from someone who sends encouraging words once or twice a year, from across the globe. As I read the word, silent, in my Bible, I heard a notification ding in my Messenger app and noticed the title of the message was, “When to remain silent!” Random? Hmmm… I don’t think so.
It was a list circulating the internet written by someone I’d not heard of. The list contained many good reasons for when it’s a good time to remain silent. But it caused me to go back to the scripture to see what exactly it was that caused the discussion and disagreements (in Ch. 15) to cease and the whole assembly to become silent. Since I was reading the Word of God and had asked the Holy Spirit to speak to me, I felt the timing of the message “when to remain silent” had significance to what I was to learn. Make sense?
The biggest take away with me sharing this is that when we ask the Lord to speak, and when we are listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we worship God, pray and read the Word, He will give insight, will whisper to our hearts, and sometimes prompt a friend to say the same thing at the same time, to get our attention. When that happens… pause in His Presence and make note of what He’s saying. Write it down, ponder it, pray about it and allow the Lord to continue to speak to you on the matter. Or it may just cause you to get a good laugh or smile across your face as you realize God made a “random act of kindness” towards you. Just say “thank you” and know you are loved by God. He delights in reminding you of it in creative ways… more than we can think of or imagine!
Is it just me, or do you also think it happens just at the right time, sometimes seeming a random event? When I’m feeling anxious, stressed or in need of rest, He seems to surprise me the most! I’m grateful!
FUNNY QUOTE :
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”
~ Abraham Lincoln~
This Month’s GOOD eNEWS:
Regarding Silence:
“Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.” ~Proverbs 17:28
Regarding Speaking up:
“Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak…” ~2 Corinthians 4:13
My Personal thoughts on When to be Silent & When to Speak Up!
Be Silent in Situations When…
- Your words may be more harmful than helpful
- Your viewpoint isn’t going to give a positive result
- Facts aren’t confirmed, yet feelings are raging.
- You feel emotional, angry or are tempted to make a public or social display you may regret later. ~yikes
- You represent *Someone else; when you speak you may misrepresent them/Him.
- You feel tempted to lie, gossip, slander or curse another person. Proverbs 21:23
- You should be listening!
Speak Up in Situations When…
- Your words will build up and edify another person
- Your ideas, opinions or words will add value
- You are concerned for another’s safety/well-being
- When the opportunity is given to speak truth, life, wisdom and offer hope
- When asked to share your testimony/encouragement
- When the Holy Spirit prompts your heart to tell of the miraculous things God is doing for you, or through you or has shown to you, as it will bring honor and glory to His name! AND WHEN YOU DO… I pray the whole listening assembly will become silent and open their hearts to Him in response!
Friend, I pray you enjoy the peace that is available to you as you journey through life. We have the rights as children of God, to enjoy a sound mind, and a healthy heart, in spite of the heavy burdens of this world. We do not have to live in anxiety, fear, continuous grief or bound by the enemy’s lies. There is freedom for those who have faith to believe in the ONE (Jesus) who sets us free! That is GOOD NEWS! And when you receive this gift of salvation from Jesus Christ, by believing in Him, He will put His Spirit in your heart and you will be able to hear from Him when to speak, when to remain silent, when to ponder, when to proceed, and when to pause. He will fill you with peace no matter what your situation is, and you will know hope by name! Why do I say all this? Because… Just as our Good eNews scripture, 2 Corinthians 4:13 tells us:
I BELIEVE and so I SPEAK! Of this one thing, I cannot be silent!
As always…If you have a specific prayer request you’d like to me to pray, I’d be honored. Just send to this email.