“I don’t like him for you. I think you deserve much better.” Cynthia’s cousin, Brenda, said this when Cynthia mentioned she was dating Collin, someone they both knew. Cynthia was hurt by Brenda’s comment but kept her feelings to herself.
She and Collin had known each other since high school. A cutie, he was a bit of a geek—slightly quirky but genuinely sweet and incredibly kind. Even after he moved away for college, Cynthia had always kept a special place for him in her heart. So, when they ran into each other again at a reunion and Collin invited Cynthia to catch up over lunch, she was thrilled. She could hardly believe she had the chance to reconnect with him.
Having dated on and off, Cynthia had come to a firm realization about what she wanted in her life: a kind and sensitive man. This had been her heartfelt prayer for a long time, and she had unwavering faith that God would bless her in this way.
In Mark 11:23-24 (NLT), Jesus Christ teaches, “23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” Cynthia had taken this message to heart. Although it took her time to fully embrace it, she now had complete faith in God’s promise. She saw Collin as a blessing and felt both happy and at peace reconnecting with him.
Despite this deep sense of fulfillment and assurance, Brenda’s comment was hard to shake. Cynthia had always looked up to Brenda and valued her opinion. When Brenda said she didn’t think Collin was right for Cynthia, it made her second-guess herself. The words of someone she admired had the power to shake her confidence. Even though she felt so sure about Collin, Brenda’s doubts planted a seed of worry.
Cynthia started to wonder if she was missing something. She questioned whether her feelings for Collin were blinding her or if Brenda might actually be onto something. This internal struggle was confusing and made her uneasy, even though she truly believed Collin was the right person for her.
The psalmist prayed in Psalm 141:3 (NLT), “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” This prayer highlights a crucial discipline, especially when it comes to speaking words of faith rather than fear and being careful about what we share and with whom.
The wisdom in this verse reminds us to be mindful of our words. It’s not just about avoiding negative talk but also about choosing wisely when to share our hopes and dreams. By asking God to guard our mouths, we’re seeking help to stay positive and avoid letting doubts or fears slip out. We’re also asking for guidance in discerning what to keep private and what to share, ensuring our conversations build up our faith rather than undermine it.
Guarding our mouths, staying in continual prayer, and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit are key ways to protect and nurture or gate-keep God’s promises in our lives. People who love us genuinely want the best for us, and there’s no doubt about their good intentions. However, it’s God who truly knows what’s best for us, and He has the final say.
To stay aligned with His plans, we need to walk in wisdom. This means being careful with our words, seeking God’s direction through prayer, and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us. By doing this, we ensure that we honor God’s promises and keep our faith strong.■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Gate-keep God’s Promises”, written by KLizzie, edited by Fran Mack and Kim Times, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.