My son was about seven years old when we took him up to the mountains of North Carolina to go snow skiing for the first time. For hours I instructed him in my best teacher voice how to stand up, ski down, and get up once he fell. After several hours, it appeared he was not getting the hang of it at all.
“Mom,” Steven cried, “If you just quit telling me what to do, I think I could get it.”
“Fine!” I said in frustration. “Go ahead and do it your way!”
And you know what? He did. Thirty minutes later Steven was cruising down the slopes with ease. Swish to the right. Swish to the left.
The problem had not been Steven not getting it. It was me not getting it. My continual instruction was hindering Steven from working the maneuvers out on his own. The day started out being a skiing lesson for Steven, but ended up being a parenting lesson for me.
Sometimes the most powerful words are the ones we choose not to speak. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time to be silent and a time to speak,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,7). A wise woman learns the difference.
In the Bible, Esther is a wonderful example of a very wise woman who knew that timing was crucial. After much prayer, fasting and deliberation, she went before the King to make a petition for her people. It was an important request as the entire Hebrew nation was at stake. Rather than grovel at the King’s feet in dismay, she very calmly invited him to dinner. When the King attended the soirée the following evening, once again he invited Esther to make her request. Once again, she invited him to dinner the following evening.
At the second dinner party, the King offered yet a third opportunity for Esther to make her request. Finally, Esther revealed the evil Haman’s plot to annihilate the entire Hebrew nation, which included her life as well. It is an amazing story, and I encourage you to read the book of Esther for yourself.
But here’s a lesson among the drama. Esther had a very important request for the King. And yet, it was all about timing. Sure, she could have made the request the first time she approached the King and he extended the golden scepter in approval. Yes, she could have made her request at the first dinner party when he offered her anything she desired, “up to half his kingdom.” But there was something in Esther’s spirit that caused her to wait. The time wasn’t quite right.
Even though the Bible doesn’t tell us directly, I believe that Esther was listening to God. I believe the Holy Spirit was telling her to wait. Because she asked herself the question, to speak or not to speak, and then spoke when the time was right, the entire Hebrew nation was saved. That is the power of a woman’s words offered at the right time.
Lord, sometimes I talk too much. Help me know when to speak and when to keep silent. And Lord, give me the self-control and courage to do both. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is one time that you kept silent and you’re glad you did? Leave a comment and let’s share.
Bonus: Here is a fun verse to ponder. Job said, “I put my hand over my mouth.” Give it a try. I bet your hand is a perfect fit!
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Comments 16
Hi Sharon, I had this happen to me at work with a coworker, she had said something about me that upset and made me angry and I was on my way to confront her but God had other plans cause when I got to her and went to open my mouth I lost my breathe and couldn’t breath so I walked away . I have forgiven her but God has moved me around in my job so I don’t have to deal with that situation again or her cause we have 2 very toxic people in our team and the holy spirit has locked my mouth anytime that I come in contact with these 2 individuals. I thank god for this cause I would got in trouble and I will not give the devil any more lead way it’s not worth it
Author
What a cool God story!
Thank you for continuously sharing the good news of Jesus. This resonated with me. Sometimes I talk too much. I need to be quiet. The Holy Spirit will guide me, obedience is better than sacrifice. Thank you!
One time my supervisor took me to the managers office to tell him that I left early without letting her know, which was not true. I had left a note on her desk. As I opened my mouth to tell him she was lying, he put his hand up for me not to speak. So I kept quiet, but inside I felt “But she’s lying!” However, after she finished speaking, our manager said to her, “Val, DID leave you a note telling you she was leaving early. I saw it when I came to your office looking for you.” I will never forget how the Lord fought for me that day! If we will just hold our peace and let the Lord fight our battles, Victory shall be ours!🙌🏽💖
Author
Oh I love that story!!!!! It’s always so much better when Hod defends us.
Thank you for resending the devotional to me! I can open them now! I appreciated the thoughts today. I needed this reminder!
I love the book of Esther. Yes I always ask God to put guard over my mind and my mouth. Nothing sharper than the tongue.
Today’s reading is a great reminder to quit telling/suggesting what to do to my son Andy who is in rehab once again.
I pray he does “get it” this time around.
He is a 33 year old alcoholic and has been on this roller coaster to recovery for over ten years.
Every day I pray and turn him over into Gods hands.
I recite this verse every morning.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3
Thank you, Sharon! At 72 I still needed this reminder!
Thank you for this timely article. I pray the examples of your skiing story and the obedience of Esther will be reminders of the importance of timing when choosing when to be silent and when to speak.
Thank you Sharon for this sweet story!
I do love the book of Esther, and as I get older (72 now), I find myself asking God for His direction and the words that come through my mouth will be from Him!🙏
Amen
Wow. This here spoke to me cause I struggle with being silent when I know I am correct or when I want things my way. Thsnk u for sharing. Lesson learned 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hi Sharon. Thank you for sharing this story. I pray that the Lord teaches me how to be quiet sometimes and talk when the opportunity is in his timing. God blessed you.
Writing this from Kingston Jamaica. I wish I had read this earlier today cause it would have helped me to keep my mouth shut with my son.
Reading what you said about what your son said you moved me deeply. I definitely have go to go read the book of Esther