Sometimes Saying Nothing

But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate’s surprise. Mark 15:5

When Jesus was before Pilate, He answered some questions, but He did not give a speech, defending himself.

He didn’t dive into a tirade, justifying His actions.

Jesus knew what He needed to do, and said only what was necessary.

Do you talk too much? Often defend your honorable intentions?

Sometimes we do. Talk too much.

For example with children, we explain ourselves WAY too often. Yes, offer an appropriate explanation, but you never need to defend yourself as a parent.

Why? Because you are the parent. And your child is not. They are the child.

Glad we are on the same page now.

Children enjoy trapping adults into arguments. Children are pros at arguing and whining.

Some regularly win when they keep going, grating on parent’s nerves.

You know you can stop that, right?

Tell the child no. Your only words offered for their benefit will be “because I said so”.

Repeat yourself when they keep asking why.

Then put a stop to their tantrums. Walk away.

While interacting with children is only one example, we sometimes talk too much in other areas.

Work, phone calls, emails, social media, the list goes on and on.

Sometimes saying less is more. Better. In fact, superior.

Let’s practice quiet authority. Not saying every thought that pops into our brain.

Think things through before uttering a word, asking God to help you speak His words of life.

Or, not to speak them…. yet.

Photos by Ilyass SEDDOUG,  Ben Wicks, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Pure Trust

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

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Been reading about Abraham lately.

Like so many of you, I’ve decided to read through the Bible yet again this year.

So, I’ve come to Abraham.

Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, more specifically.

Can you even possibly imagine simply obeying God about this?

God asked Abraham to “Take his only son, whom he loves, and offer him as a sacrifice.”

Incredibly, the next passage simply states that “Abraham rose early the next morning” and basically began his journey.

With Isaac.

To sacrifice him.

That was the express purpose of this trip.

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Notice any arguing with God?

Complaining?

Questioning?

Abraham did none of those things.

He had argued before about the destruction of Sodom a couple chapters earlier.

So, we know he dared to argue with God.

But somehow, he didn’t now.

I’m simply stunned.

To me, that shows how much Abraham trusted God.

God had told him his offspring would be multitudinous through Isaac.

Maybe he had a sneaking feeling God would intervene, due to that earlier promise.

Maybe he thought he’d have another son and name him Isaac, too.

He had witnessed miracles, including the birth of his son in his old age.

He regularly talked with God.

Therefore, he did not question God’s commands.

To sacrifice his only son,

Abraham had unwavering faith.

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What about you?

What would you have done?

God regularly tests our faith.

Big or small, God is continually asking us to simply trust Him.

With everything.

Trust Him and pass the test.

Because just like Abraham, God will show up when you do.

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Photos by Matthias Tillen on Unsplash