The other night, I dreamed I tried to get out of a tall building. I took the stairs, but they didn’t go far. I tried an elevator, but it only went a few floors. I tried another stairway and it also wouldn’t take me out of the building. Finally, I found another elevator, and when the doors opened, some people came out, stared at me and accused me of saying things and doing things I didn’t say or do. I stood stunned, I had no recourse, no way to prove they were wrong, there wasn’t video proof, there wasn’t anyone else who witnessed I didn’t say or do those things.

When I awakened, I realized I had been overly cautious with what I post online, and what I say, hoping to stay under the devil’s radar. For years, I worried and tried so very hard to say the “right” things, do the “right” things, and be careful about everything, and anything, as I tried to please God and please men. Pleasing God should be the goal, whereas pleasing people is always a snare (Proverbs 29:25). Since I worried too much about other people and what they thought, and what I thought they thought, I was often afraid to say a word.

Satan wants silent Christians, not talking about faith, or sin, or about Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us to speak the Truth in love, and speaking the truth is often met with negative results. Even if I try to hide and be quiet about some things, there will be hostility, troubles will come because everyone who seeks to live a Godly life will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

My silence, my tiptoeing around certain issues, will not save me from Satan’s hostility. My website stays under attack (over 1000 attacks on the day before I wrote this devotion). The devil is always trying to mess with me and my family. Jesus tells us not to fear, He has us safe in the palm of His loving hands, but that doesn’t mean life will be without difficulty. We live in enemy territory.

I can hide what I think about some subjects, but that doesn’t mean I’m doing the right thing or living in obedience to God. Staying silent only allows Satan freedom to continue in his devious plans. Satan wants to intimidate Christians to be silent about sin, so that people stay trapped in their sin. Sin is always destructive. The devil twists and manipulates to keep Christians and others fearful and silent.

When Jesus walked on this earth during His ministry, He went to those who were falling apart, weary, trapped in sin, who needed healing and hope. Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost, He is the Way to new life and new beginnings. Jesus’ offer to accept His grace is so that He can give those who receive Him the absolute best – salvation, healing, restoration, joy, peace, love, and eternal life in paradise.

As a Christian, I have been given the honor and blessing of knowing Jesus Christ. I am to share with others who Jesus Christ is and how His love conquers sin and death. I will not stay silent. I will speak, write, and share about my wonderful Savior, His love, and His beautiful, amazing grace “for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20, NASB).

Speaking about God and Jesus is not always met with positive results. However, what does God promise when we speak as Christians?

“Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time—One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes!” (1 Timothy 1:15-20, MSG)

“…Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent…Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~ Acts 18:9 (NASB), Joshua 1:9 (NASB)

“for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ~ Acts 4:20 (NASB)

Emphasis added on scripture.

From Present in His Presence by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/2MTewev