I recall times in my life when I was so frustrated because I wanted to say something. I wanted to speak up and express my heart, but I didn’t know how to make sense of my feelings and put them into words. I needed to speak up because I didn’t want my silence to be misunderstood as acceptance. Quickly, I learned that the most important step I needed to take was to release what I held in my heart whether it was received or not. I was sure to ensure my message was expressed in love; my tone was soft and my message was shared in wisdom and truth. The experience was freeing.
I want to encourage you to speak in wisdom to set yourself free. If you let the enemy silence your voice, he takes your power and keeps you from being totally free. Reflecting on Queen Esther, she used her voice to speak on behalf of the Jewish people. She refused to remain silent; rather she used her voice to save an entire nation.
Go gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish! (Esther 4:16).
Queen Esther’s voice became an instrument for restoration; she risked her life in the process. She made a persuasive request to the king to save her people. Her voice placed her in a position of royalty and favor. Esther owned her title and became an influential queen. She was destined to be royalty because of her voice and obedience. At one point in Esther’s life, she listened to the voice of her uncle, Mordecai, who gave her vital instructions. Through experience and maturity, she later used her voice as a tool for the deliverance of others. Queen Esther no longer needed her uncle to speak for her. She gathered the confidence to speak up for herself knowing death would result should her words be not be accepted. She refused to be silent because of the plan of the enemy. Our voices are drowned out by the noises of the enemy; however, at a mature season in our lives, we must foster our own voices.
Don’t hold back due to fear of rejection. My friends, your voice is important even though you may not see it at this time. Trust your heart and speak the very thing God has placed in your spirit. I encourage you not to be silent. Someone’s deliverance depends on your voice. That broken relationship depends on your voice. Our great God needs your voice to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Break the silence.
Excerpt from “Better than
