Copyright 2021 Theresa Harvard Johnson
If ever I’ve been derailed by things in my life, it’s been because I shared to much with people who didn’t deserve my trust.
As a result, I would often find myself discouraged in pursuit of building The School of the Scribe or publishing books.
I had a pastor (actually an apostle and mentor) WHO LAUGHED AT ME (literally) and belittled my vision so bad…. that it messed me up for a long time. Had me believing I had never heard God… and doubting if I was called.
Although I’m healed, I still sometimes hear him saying, “God didn’t call me to cover no scribe ministry… what kind of mess is that.”
(YET, the voice of the Lord in me… kept overpowering all of that negativity… and drama that tried to kill the vision I am walking out today. I thank God for Holy Spirit being greater than man because I really trusted this person… with my life. )
It was here that I learned to be quiet. I learned not to share my dreams or visions with unsafe people.
I learned TO BE SILENT and just let God prove himself. IF I WANTED TO LIVE… I HAD TO DO THIS. IF YOU WANT TO LIVE (MEANING THRIVE IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE), YOU MAY HAVE TO DO THIS TOO — BE SILENT AND WORK IN SECRET.
You may even have to do it in your own homes with disagreeable family members.
We all know:
- Not everyone is interested in what God put in your or is releasing through your life
- Not everyone sees the beauty in us that is unveiling or has come forth
- Not everyone around us is happy for our success. Sometimes the people you love the most are the very ones rooting for your fall.
- Not everyone around us is ready or excited to see us grow.
- Not everyone around us wants to hear our good news.
- Not everyone aroud us thinks we are ready …and even if we are not… they are not eager to help us figure it out…. or guide us along the way. It’s easier for them to put out the flame.
Taking a position of silence is PROTECTION. (I am not speaking of being secretive. That’s something else. I am speaking of self-control, discernment, wisdom, etc.).
I had to make a personal decision not to be foolish. Prov. 17:28 says, “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
By no means am I calling myself a fool or anyone else. We are mature enough to understand the implications here. Basically, we have to learn not to sabotage ourselves by casting pearls among swine.
I know this is a strong word. We can still LOVE those around us… and keep ourselves safe. We can MATURE into emotional control and not be so happy we publish EVERY IDEA before murderers, slanderers.
I spent so much time PRAYING against the people harming me, that it took a dear friend to tell me that the way to stop “the attacks” was to close my own mouth… and operate in stealth. It took guts for her to tell me I WAS THE PROBLEM….
Listen, someone here needs this tonight. You are in an environment that is toxic and right now, you’re not in a position to move just yet. You may be in a “tight situation” with a loved one, family member or ministry relationship and feel closed in. FOR NOW, I heard the Lord say, “PRACTICE SILENCE”…. not from an unforgiving place, but from a place of wisdom. Lead and live quietly before him… as he uses this time to take you deeper into wisdom, knowledge and understanding. YOUR SILENCE in this area… will cause you to begin healing inwardly, to forgive… to stand against the root of offense and bitterness. YOUR SILENCE will protect you from further discouragement and unnecessary struggle and contending. YOUR SILENCE will cause you to open your eyes and mature into a realm…. in which IT WILL NOT MATTER WHETHER MEN APPROVE OF YOU OR NOT!
Father is saying: I am taking you into a place of such maturity… that the only approval you will need is that of the Lord… and those whose hearts HE WILL SEND to affirm what He has already spoken. There is a safe haven for you, a place of peace, a place of success… a place of silence.
I thank God daily that he has proved himself in this area to me, and has sent a mentor/apostle who understands…. and is helping me expand my wings. But for most of my spiritual life… I was in the cave/wilderness learning how to stand with God…
Let him have this perfect work in you in this season. If you can hear his heart in this… I believe this WORD will change your life…
