Bitter Words: A 7-Day Word FastSample

The Ministry of Silence

We all have an important calling upon our lives. However, not everyone has arrived at a level of spiritual and emotional maturity to handle God’s assignment. The thing that often keeps us from being a good steward of our purpose is how we steward our words.

God had an assignment for Ezekiel, but he wasn’t ready for it. So, God commissioned him and sent him through a season called “Preparation.”

As a watchman for all of Israel, Ezekiel was responsible for standing on the city’s walls as a security guard. He watched over everyone who lived inside the city limits.

A watchman had to be gifted and trained to see and hear exceptionally well so that he could protect its citizens. Surprisingly, as a watchman, God’s first assignment for Ezekiel was to train him on how to not speak from his mouth everything that was on his heart and mind.

We learn from our reading that Ezekiel had become bitter and angry. He didn’t like the people he was assigned to protect. He had fundamental issues with them and disagreed with their lifestyles. Yet, God instructed him to hold his peace and not say a word to them.

God taught Ezekiel that to lead anyone else well, you must first lead yourself well. God taught Ezekiel that to train your eyes and ears, you must be able to tame your tongue. And, in order to see and hear God better, you must give God access and control over your mouth.

Before God gave Ezekiel something significant to say to all of Israel, He challenged him to be silent for many years.

God told Ezekiel, “Unless I give you the words, keep your mouth closed.” If Ezekiel had opened his mouth prematurely, he risked saying something that would compromise his future.

Every believer is called to be a spiritual watchman or watchwoman and to be a more effective leader. It may be over your family, marriage, singleness, or career.

Every Christian is also called to steward his or her tongue well.

Therefore, for the next 7 days, before you open your mouth, ask yourself:

1. Is it necessary?

2. Is it encouraging?

3. Did God give me these words to speak?

If you answered no to either of these, practice the ministry of silence for the next 21 days or longer.

Prayer: God, I thank you for leading me into this word fast. Today, I ask for discipline to finish what I am starting. Over the next 7 days, open the corridors of my eyes. Help me to see myself as you see me. Help me to disciple my tongue and to become a better steward of every thought that enters my mind. As a spiritual watch person, help me to lead myself well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.