The Sheer Sweetness of Silenced Voices: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Wisdom
Hey everyone! So, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, you know, that deep down kind of pondering about the things God has allowed in the world, the things that make you scratch your head a little and say, “Okay, Lord, help me understand this.” And one thing that’s really been on my heart is this idea of… well, of silence. Specifically, those times in the Bible when people are silenced, and how that reflects God’s amazing, sometimes baffling, wisdom.
Now, I know "silenced" might sound harsh, but hear me out. It's not about oppression, or at least, that’s not how I see it. It’s more about God's perfect timing and His plan working in ways we might not always understand. Like in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, it says, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.”
Okay, I know that one can cause some raised eyebrows, right? But for me, it’s not about silencing women as a whole. I really believe it's about recognizing the different roles we all play in God’s Kingdom. It's about understanding that sometimes, true wisdom is found in listening and in respecting the order God has put in place. It's about submission. For me, that's where the sweetness comes in.
I remember a time in my own life when I was just bursting with ideas about a new ministry at church. I was so excited and convinced I had the best way to do things. I talked and talked, hardly giving anyone else a chance to speak. But you know what? Things fell apart. It was a mess. And it wasn’t until I took a step back, prayed, and really listened to the older, wiser folks in the church, that we actually found a solution. I realized my voice, while well-intended, wasn't what was needed in that moment. It was about waiting, listening to the Spirit move through others, and embracing silence.
It was tough at the time, truly humbling, but looking back now, I see it as God gently directing me. Like when we read about Zechariah, in Luke 1:20, who was struck mute when he didn’t believe the angel’s message. “And behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” It's not a punishment for the sake of punishment but a lesson, a time for reflection. It’s about making space for God’s truth to sink in and letting His timing unfold.
You know, that verse really resonated with me. Sometimes God allows silence so we can hear Him more clearly. In this noisy world, it can feel like a blessing. I’ve started incorporating more quiet time in my own daily routine, just turning off the phone and sitting still, listening for that still small voice. And you know what? It’s been amazing. It’s not just about not speaking, but it’s about creating space for His voice.
I try to think about it like this: God's plan is so much bigger than what I can see, and sometimes, the most beautiful work is done in the quiet, when we simply trust Him. Think of how a seed grows in silence, or how a baby develops in the quiet of the womb. God’s masterpieces often unfold when we are not making a lot of noise. So, these instances in scripture where someone is silenced, rather than a horrific act, are really just about divine timing and a beautiful unfolding of His grand plan, even if it looks uncomfortable to us. We’re often too busy to listen anyway.
I just feel like if we really examine our faith, we see that even these seemingly difficult parts of scripture hold so much depth, even sweetness. It challenges us to think critically about the role we play in God's narrative. What is the most important lesson we can learn from these passages? It is to learn to listen, to submit to his will, and to trust that even silence has a purpose.
What areas of your life do you find yourself needing to be silent? What wisdom can you gain by quieting your own voice and listening for God’s?