Just Stop Talking

The end of the year is approaching and we’re all making plans for next year. My husband and I are in the process of choosing our #oneword for 2021. It’s a “thing” in our home. We pray and meditate on God’s instruction for the coming year. Then, we choose a word that will keep us focused on our assignments. This year my word was “release” and I’m so glad God gave it to me for 2020. I needed it. My husband and I do this process in tandem, but individually….like most of what we do. Each morning over coffee, we give an update on what we believe the Lord is saying to us. As my husband talks, I just listen. As I talk, he listens. We don’t add anything. It’s not time for that yet. Our job is just to listen as the other person works it out with God.

Talking about your dreams, visions, and goals can be beneficial when you talk to the right people. However, talking to the wrong people about your goals to seek validation can sabotage your efforts. If the Lord has shown you what he wants you to do…do it. Start the business. Take the job. Write the book. Apologize. Forgive. Don’t answer that. Make the call. DO IT or DON’T DO IT…whatever it is, follow God’s instruction.

Talk to the Right People

In Genesis, God told Adam that he could eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. “If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” That’s what God said. Later, Eve had a conversation with the serpent. Why? I do not know. Why do any of us keep talking to snakes hoping they have our best interest at heart? Anyway….Eve was chatting with the snake in the garden and he asked her a simple question…

“Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” he asked.

When you share you vision, dreams, goals, and thoughts beware of people who want to infuse just a little doubt into your heart. “Did God really say….?” Did God really say he had plans to prosper and not to harm you or was he just talking to Jeremiah? Did God really say he’ll supply your needs? All of them? Does God really love everyone? Even those people?

Before you know it, your confidence in God and the plan for your life has a crack in it. Sometimes it’s not other people who cause you to doubt yourself and God. Sometimes it’s you. Stop replaying the scenario in your head. Stop creating off ramps and outlets to stay in your comfort zone. If God said it. He meant it. If you are clear on what God said, just stop talking and get moving.

Don’t Overshare

Eve should have ignored the serpent because God did not say they couldn’t eat fruit from the trees. The serpent knew this. He was simply trying to strike up a conversation. Just stop talking. If she had a burning need to respond, Eve should have simply said, “God didn’t say that.” Instead, she overshared. “No, God didn’t say that. He said….” I’m paraphrasing but you get the point.

Turn to your neighbor and say, “Say less.” You never need to tell the snakes what God is doing in your life. They know. That’s why they’re talking to you. Don’t let your need to be right or to prove how smart you are drag you into sharing too much. Don’t overshare.

Get Over Yourself

Eve knew what God said, but she allowed the serpent to exploit her insecurity. He played her. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it and then you will be like God…” This sneaky little tactic is used a lot. Social media is built on the insecurities of people and their desire to look perfect and more than they are. If God has given you every tree in the garden to eat… don’t let your friends, family, or serpents convince you that you should want more. Don’t ignore what you already have chasing something you think you should want. *highlight *underline *say it aloud

Don’t ignore what you already have chasing something you think you should want.

From my experience, incessantly talking to people about your plans and dreams diminishes your efforts. Here’s why….when God asks you to do something it’s usually much bigger than you can accomplish. Hence, the need for God. Talking to people…other mere mortals…only reinforces the impossibility of your goal and the inevitability of your failure. Well Duh! Yes, you’ll fail without God. Yes, it’s going to be hard. Yes, it would be impossible…but with God nothing is impossible. That’s Matthew 19:26 by the way.

Eve was like a lot of women. Yes, even me. We talk too much to the wrong people. I know who to go to when I need spirit-led wisdom and advice. We aren’t supposed to do life alone. That’s for sure. Your life is a theater. Some people have orchestra seats in the front row. Others are delightfully and warmly welcome to sit in the balcony. I’ve learned to be selective about how much I share and with whom. If the flame in my heart starts to fizzle when I hear, “Did God really say…” I just stop talking.

You don’t need to be deeply spiritual or have advanced degrees in theology for this one. If you need encouragement, clarity, or guidance about the dreams and visions God has given you, first go to God. Then, ask God to send the right people into your life. Discuss your plans with those people. Don’t hold conversations with random snakes who want you to doubt God and yourself.

Turn to your neighbor in the mirror and say, “Just stop talking.”