21st December 2021, 08:33, Lagos
If you’ve met me you’ll know I’m a chatty person. I am super bubbly and love talking to people (new and old). I also believe there’s power in sharing my story with someone who may be going through something I’ve previously gone through to encourage them, especially if they are finding it challenging. However, I don’t just blurt out every detail. In writing posts for TPC and when speaking to people, to the best of my ability I lean on my spirit, and I let it guide me to know when to speak and when not to.
I read something the other day which talked about when Moses was born, Pharaoh in Exodus ordered the killing of all male Hebrew babies in hope that he’ll annihilate the entire Hebrew population, including Moses. Similarly when Jesus was born Herod also ordered the assassination of all male babies. By the Grace of God both children escaped this evil ordeal and they lived. Why am I telling you this story? Because there’s a reason why they wanted the child dead at infancy. A newborn is incredibly vulnerable! It’s way easier for someone to kill a newborn who can’t fight for themselves, who can’t run, and who can’t even speak.
As I pondered on this, I realised why God cautions me not to share certain things until he’s finished. What’s the link you ask? Well when God puts a promise in my heart and I haven’t seen it come to pass yet (because I am still waiting), there are moments of fear, doubt, disbelief etc. I’ve had moments where I’ve thought that perhaps I made everything up and He never told me anything. I’ve had moments of sulking because holding onto His promise can be so tiring sometimes.
In such a state I’m incredibly vulnerable. Opening my mouth and sharing with even the kindest of friends may not be helpful. Yes, you read correctly. I didn’t say sharing with someone who hates you. I said sharing with the kindest friend can be problematic. In the Bible we see this happen when Jesus revealed His plan of death and resurrection to one of his confidants (Peter). He began to rebuke Jesus saying it cannot be possible. His love for Jesus was what led him to tell Jesus not to go and fulfil His purpose for us all. Could you imagine what would have happened if Peter had convinced Him? We would never have been able to experience the benefits of Christ’s death. Peter’s reaction is expected though (yes I know the devil used him but hear me out). What I mean is that when we share, the ones closest to us may try to dissuade us from venturing down certain paths particularly when they can’t see the full picture.
Think of it this way, God is the artist and He creates the masterpiece. When God reveals His plan to His child, He only shows one stroke of the masterpiece at a time. He does this to test our patience, our faith, and to see if we trust Him. However, sometimes when we share that ‘stroke’ with someone prematurely, we take the brush out of God’s hands and put it into theirs and give them an opportunity to paint a picture that He never intended. As a result, we lose hope and find it difficult to trust in His promises.
Hope is the fuel that faith needs. All that’s required is for someone pessimistic to repeatedly share a few comments that hint at me being crazy and boom – I may start doubting God fully and give up on all He said. In such situations, His promises in my heart are like the infants in all the stories we see in the Bible. Hence, they need to be protected.
Ever heard of a man named Zechariah? He was a Priest, who worshipped God. He was also a man waiting for a child with his wife Elizabeth. An Angel appeared to him one day, saying his wife was going to conceive, and he was to call him John.
But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.
Luke 1:13 NIV
You would have thought he would be ecstatic, especially as his son was going to prepare the way for Jesus. However, Zechariah couldn’t believe the prophecy because of his old age!
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
Luke 1:18 NIV
As a result, the Angel said he will be silent. Zechariah wasn’t able to say anything about his good news.
And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.
Luke 1:20 NIV
You are probably wondering why would God silence him? I think it’s because perhaps if his lips were kept open, he may have shared intimate details about the child prematurely. Who knew what the people would’ve done to Elizabeth if they heard of the child early? If we look at the passage we also notice that shortly after she found out she was with child she withdrew and concealed herself from the public eye. Another indication that her spirit was leading her to stay in a place of solitude. Who knows what God was doing during Zechariah’s ‘shut lipped season?’ Who knows what God was building inside both of them in that season? I think in such seasons He may be trying to protect us from harm but more importantly, build our faith and strength till our promises manifest.
However, let me be honest it gets lonely waiting and never seeing anything. It’s understandable if sometimes we share prematurely! Even if initially you get a reaction that’s undesirable, in the long run God is kind and we will see He’ll work it out for our good. I think it is important to mention this so we don’t operate from a place of paranoia or fear. It’s okay to confide in people particularly when we are going through tough moments! There is power in a community, so please don’t alienate yourself. However, let us be mindful. In moments where we have infant faith, sharing prematurely can rob you of the infant hope your faith is riding on.
Let us lean on God for strength and walk with the spirit as He will never lead us astray.
Lots of love,
T
