Speaking Up Part 2 of 2

One reason that we often don’t speak up for things is because we want to be meek and humble. I once heard someone say that “Meekness is having strength under control”. When you are meek, you don’t walk around with your head down and allow everyone to walk all over you, yet you don’t go around telling everyone how you feel about everything either. You remain under the hand of God, submitting yourself to Him. A perfect example of true meekness is found in Jesus. In Matthew 26:47, Jesus and His disciples were in the garden of Gethsemane. During this time, the people came to arrest Him. When the high priest came and put his hands on Jesus to take him, Peter cut off his ear. Jesus told him to put his sword away. In verses 53-54 He says, “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more then twelve legions of angels? How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen?” Jesus knew that if He wanted to get out of the situation, He could do what was necessary. But He recognized that preventing His arrest wasn’t God’s will for Him. Thus, showing strength under control.

Another reason for not speaking up is that we want to be peaceful. This was the problem I faced. I didn’t want to rub anybody the wrong way, or cause anyone to be upset. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let no your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” When we have the peace that Jesus spoke about, we are not worried about what other’s will say or think if we speak up. Although Jesus had peace, He knew when to speak up. He didn’t let His peace hinder Him from bringing correction to error. My husband made an interesting observation once. He noticed how people seem to portray Jesus in pictures and movies as if He was weak and allowed everyone to walk all over Him. This was not the case at all. In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus went into the temple turned over the tables and threw those that bought and sold out. In these verses, Jesus is clearly upset, and He doesn’t allow the foolishness going on in the temple to continue. Another example of Jesus bringing correction can be found in Matthew 23:1-36. In These scriptures, He brought correction to the scribes and the pharisees. He called them out and told them the way they lived and behaved was wrong. He even called them serpents and brood of vipers(see Matthew 23:33) .

I believe we are tested in the areas that we seek God for help with. If we fail, we will see the test again and again until we pass. I say this from experience. Once I asked God to help me and give me courage to speak up for things, I began to get tested. If I may be completely honest with you, I failed a couple of times miserably. I even tried to avoid certain situations because I was afraid. But, I didn’t allow it to discourage me. I continued to ask God for the courage and ability to speak up for myself.  Don’t allow the enemy to keep you afraid to speak up. Remember the root of this problem is fear. Ask God to help you and give you the strength and courage to stand up and speak up for things that you know are right. Be encouraged by the daughters of Zelophehad. Be bold and don’t worry about what others will think or say. As long as you remain under the hand of God and obey Him, that is all you should be concerned about.

“What you can tolerate, you cannot change”~ Timothy Jones

Encouragement fear Ministry Obedience Truth Posted under Bible by admin