The Unexpected Temptation

I know. . . It's been time for me to write something new.🙈

However, coming across this video from Jackie Hill Perry to prompted me to actually get this post out. One line pierced my heart.

"When you have a gift that involves words, one of the ways the enemy will tempt you is to be silent."

Wow! 

I honestly think silence is one of the last things that comes to mind when people think of temptation. According to Oxford Languages, the definition of temptation is the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.

I can hear someone asking, "How can silence be wrong or unwise?"  Oh. . . Hold on for just a minute and it will come together.

There are times when our obedience [to speak] may be the key to someone else's blessing. Your words and actions could essentially provide healing for your brother or sister in Christ! In the book of Revelation, we read, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony..." This scripture is talking about the way in which believers can overcome or be victorious over Satan. 

Our testimonies are important! Many times, individuals face situations and experiences- thinking that they're all by themselves and no one understands what they're facing. That's usually not true. . . Someone else may have had the same experience and could be equipped to offer guidance or insight.

A few months ago, I was reminded that our words really can be (like) medicine. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21)

I was considering the ways in which we "speak" to one another-> verbal conversations, writing, and even in music. . . It was as if I could see a mouth that was opened and healing was flowing to the people around it. If we truly knew the impact of our words, how careful would we be? How much more willing would we be to speak to others?

What we say to one another has the potential to build up or break down someone's spirit.

Why would we willingly withhold words of life or healing from someone- especially if we claim to care about them? We have to be ready to say something & let love lead the way.

One thing I do not want to overlook is the fact that the enemy will use multiple methods or tactics to make silence appear to be the more favorable choice. 

Insecurity/Comparison: In the past, this combination has been a doozy for me. And I'm honestly still trying to figure out the best way to face this🙃. Multiple situations have caused me to feel self-conscious about my voice- speaking, singing, and writing. After a while, I started feeling like, "Maybe nobody wants to hear me or what I have to say, at all. Maybe they'd prefer someone else." 

Then I remembered this quote. ". . .you are a woman of purpose. And the people that are assigned to your life will respond to your sound." In other words, "While you may not be everyone's cup of tea, you are still tea! You serve a purpose! You have value! Someone needs to receive whatever you are available to give!" We must keep that in mind. 

I believe comparison becomes a prominent issue when we're not intentional about embracing what God has said about us. Realizing that we are the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21), we have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and through Jesus, we can do ALL things (Philippians 4:13)-> should really shift our perspective! However, we have to choose to embrace the TRUTH and align ourselves with the Word. If we're not serious about doing that, we'll focus on aligning ourselves with whatever standards or qualities we think will be appealing to others. . . We really don't need to worry about pleasing people, though.

Guilt: Although we all have probably made some not-so-great decisions, I feel like the enemy has a way of magnifying the sense of guilt that we each feel. "You did x,y, or z. . . How could you ever have something worthwhile or encouraging to say? You're a fraud." As someone who is familiar with bad decisions and lapses in judgement, please allow me to shut this down! Yes- you/we may have not made the best choices (in the past) but we all have the opportunity to learn and grow. Through Christ, we can change and move forward. And if we've truly learned, we can share our experiences to warn others and encourage them to live a life that is submitted to God.

I know that these aren't the only tactics but these are some that I know I have faced. We have to remember that the devil will do whatever he can to distance us from God. . . Delayed obedience is disobedience. . . and that is still (categorized as) sin. 

If God has prompted you to do or say something, walk boldly in it. (I'm talking to myself too!) Don't worry about the (possible) responses or lack thereof. Even while I've been working on this post (which took longer than it should have), I've been shocked to find out that certain people have appreciated "my voice" for even longer than I've realized. People may not always say something or leave a comment but trust and believe. . . your words will reach the intended audience. If you don't remember anything else from this post, I hope you will build up your faith and be strengthened to fight the unexpected temptation of silence! If God gives you something to say, say it!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of my voice. Thank You for allowing me to use it to express my praise and gratitude to You, the revelations that You've given me, words of encouragement, and so much more. Please help me to never take it for granted. Allow me to recognize when You have something for me to say and let me not be hesitant to obey Your leading. Remind me that my voice has value. Whether I'm meeting a stranger, catching up with a friend or loved one, writing a blog post, or singing a song, let the motives behind my words be pure and pleasing to You. Allow Your love to be evident through the things that I say, write, and sing. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.