In what ways can we prepare to speak when God opens our mouths? Setting the Scene “Now the hand of the LORD had been upon me the evening before the refugee came, and He opened my mouth at the time the man came to me in the morning; so my mouth was opened, and I was no longer mute.” (Ezekiel 33:22) Ezekiel had been supernaturally silenced (Ezekiel 3:26) and could speak only when the LORD allowed. When God lifted that restraint, the prophet needed to be ready—spiritually, mentally, and emotionally—to declare whatever God put on his lips. His experience offers a template for anyone who longs to speak faithfully when the Lord provides opportunity. Recognize God’s Timing • Understand that the initiative is His: “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven” (John 3:27). • Patience nurtures readiness. Like Ezekiel, we may wait seasons before God signals, “Speak now.” • Trust His sovereignty over both the moment and the message (Acts 17:26-27). Stay in a Posture of Listening • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). We listen to God through Scripture and to people through empathetic attention. • Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). Regular, unhurried time in the Word tunes our ears. • Silence before men often sharpens clarity before God (Habakkuk 2:1). Anchor Every Word in Scripture • “All Scripture is God-breathed…so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • When Jeremiah hesitated, God assured him, “I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9). The same promise steadies us when we depend wholly on the text’s accuracy. • Practical steps: – Daily reading plans that traverse the whole canon – Systematic memorization to recall truth instantly – Using Scripture to interpret Scripture, preventing drift Pursue Personal Holiness • Isaiah saw the Lord, confessed, was cleansed, and then commissioned (Isaiah 6:5-8). God still links purity with proclamation. • “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15-16). A clean vessel amplifies a clear voice. • Regular self-examination and repentance keep the conduit unclogged (Psalm 139:23-24). Cultivate Compassion for the Audience • God’s heart: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). • Jesus “was moved with compassion” before He taught (Matthew 9:36). • Practical habits: – Pray over news headlines, letting statistics become souls – Ask God to let us feel His burden for the lost Pray for Boldness and Clarity • Early believers prayed, “Enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness” (Acts 4:29). God answered (v. 31). • Paul requested, “Pray…that I may proclaim it clearly” (Colossians 4:3-4). • Combine dependence with expectation; God delights to empower what He commands. Prepare Practically • Study: deepen theological foundations so truth flows naturally (Titus 1:9). • Organize thoughts: outlines or key points can help, though we remain flexible. • Practice: articulate the gospel aloud; rehearse testimony in three minutes or less. • Sharpen listening skills: body language open, questions thoughtful, tone gracious (Proverbs 15:1). Rely on the Spirit’s Ongoing Guidance • “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you should say” (Luke 12:12). • He illuminates Scripture (John 14:26) and supplies words calibrated to the hearer (1 Corinthians 2:13). • Moment-by-moment sensitivity keeps us from mechanical speech and anchors us in living fellowship. Respond the Moment He Opens the Door • Philip “ran up” to the chariot when the Spirit nudged (Acts 8:29-30). Immediate obedience bridges from readiness to proclamation. • “Now is the favorable time” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Delayed obedience often equals disobedience. • Expect fruit: God’s word “will accomplish what I please” (Isaiah 55:11). Summary Snapshot When God opens our mouths, effective speech springs from: 1. Acknowledging His timing 2. Maintaining a listening posture 3. Rooting every word in Scripture 4. Walking in personal holiness 5. Carrying His compassion 6. Asking for boldness and clarity 7. Practicing wise preparation 8. Depending on the Spirit 9. Obeying immediately Live this pattern, and like Ezekiel, you’ll find your mouth opened by God and your words imbued with His authority—right on time and right on target. |
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