I became extra-fond of Moses this week.
God used Moses’ example in Numbers 12 to unexpectedly encourage this heart of mine.
The chapter begins with Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ sister and brother, talking against Moses and verbally attacking him. This account wasn’t new to me. But, what stopped me in my tracks was verse 3…
“(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)”
I knew Moses was humble, but what I didn’t catch before was why this sentence was placed where it was, in parentheses, nonetheless.
After being verbally attacked, Moses kept quiet. He didn’t defend himself. He allowed God to do that for him.
Oh, the beauty of that right there.
And, did God ever defend him!
My Bible Study Fellowship notes added to this truth. It’s copyrighted, so I can’t reproduce it, but I’ll do my best to re-write it in my own words…
What’s your response when those you trust and care about attack you? It’s sometimes easier to deal with attacks from those who are adversaries of you and Jesus, but it’s a different story when they originate from those who are near and dear to us–co-workers, brothers or sisters in Christ, or even those in our own families.
Oh yes. That’s an entirely different story.
Friends, I have been on the receiving end of attacks and misrepresentations from near ones. I imagine it’s quite possible you have too, or someone you know.
Not so long ago, some whom I loved, whom I served God alongside of, whom I considered my brothers and sisters in Christ, blind-sided me with similar attacks.
It was the last thing I ever expected.
Even though God protected me by pulling me out of that ugly situation, I’ve continued to second-guess why I didn’t stand up for myself.
Why didn’t I do a better job of defending myself?
Why did I stay so silent?
After Numbers 12, I’m no longer questioning why. The answer is right there.
I didn’t need to defend myself. My Defender was quite capable of doing it for me.
Maybe today you’re finding yourself in a place of personal attack. Not only of attack, but from someone close to your heart. It appears to have come out of nowhere. You’re hurt. You don’t understand. You want to lash back. You want to set the record straight.
Believe me, I know the feeling.
But I caution you, friend. Before you act, seek God. Allow Him to guide you. If He wants you to speak, He’ll let you know. If He doesn’t, the words won’t come. He’ll work it out as He has planned.
You’re His. He’ll defend you.
As He did with Moses.
Silence. Sometimes that’s more powerful than any words we could ever say.
Julie
Linking up with Kelly for #RaRaLinkup and Holly for #TestimonyTuesday. I encourage you to check out the encouragement at both. And because my schedule didn’t allow me to write a new post, I’m also linking up with Meredith for #Woman2Woman and Inspire Me Monday.
Oh, Julie, I have had a baseball bat of lies slung at me and my first response was to defend myself. And I did. But after the first and second try, I became quiet and for three years, God took care of things in His ways. After 3 years, this person, most timidly, began a surface conversation again and I allowed that to happen. I said as little as possible and nothing regarding the accusations of 3 years before. It has been since 2005 or 06 since the original issue and today we remain on surface terms, but, by the grace of God, this is my blood sister and we can talk again. We were never real close, but we had a relationship. Now it is less than I would wish, but God knows and will care for me.
Thank you for reminding me that He is in charge and has defended me beautifully.
Visiting from Holley’s.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Hi Linda. Thank you for sharing this. Yes, God knows and He cares for us. He can handle the things we aren’t supposed to. We can rest in God’s care and defense. Bless you, friend!
Julie, I can so identify with you here. Your words are confirmation for me. Months ago I received a hurtful email from someone I thought was my friend. I never expected it and I almost wrote right back telling her she was wrong and trying to explain, but I didn’t. I was advised by others that I didn’t need to defend myself because I was not in the wrong. So I didn’t. Sometimes I think about writing her again, but I have not really had clear direction from God that I should. I know that He will give me the words if and when he wants me to speak. You are right. Sometimes silence is more powerful. I don’t need to defend myself because God will.
Gayl, we have experienced similar situations, haven’t we? I’m sorry to read of your experience, but I rejoice that you’re waiting for God to show you what to do, and when to speak. He will defend you, and He probably already has in ways you may never know. Thank you for sharing a piece of your story. You’ve encouraged me here. Blessings and peace!
Sometimes it’s hard to keep my mouth shut and not defend myself. It requires a lot of self control!!! But yes, God will vindicate us, and how sweet that is! God bless you! patsy
Boy, isn’t that the truth, Patsy! Thank you for stopping by and sharing. Bless you!
I love this! First I love how you discovered a nugget in the Word that you saw with new eyes-Moses-who was the most humble . Second, because you were able to apply it to your own life. I had a situation several years ago where I was verbally attacked and silence was my answer. Actually it was God’s answer for me but the result has been nothing but amazing. You are right that God will defend us. Thank you for sharing His truths and how this has affected you. Blessings friend!
Hi Mary! Thank you for sharing a part of your story. I love how God reveals how to walk through situations in life through His Word. It’s so applicable to our lives today. I appreciate your perspective, friend. God bless you!
Hi Julie,
I am so thankful you wrote this. It takes a lot to be silently strong and what a great example for us to follow. This is so encouraging that God will defend us. Thank you!
Hi Kasey! It’s a blessing to have you here. Thank you for your encouraging comments. I need reminded often of God being my Defender. So thankful He is. Hope you are well, friend!
great post Julie! allowing GOD to defend us…it’s not the natural way for me, but it is better in many ways…unless He leads otherwise. nice to meet you. i think we write at some similar places. i know i’ve seen your face before:) (FMF for example!)
Hi Martha! It’s nice to meet you too! I don’t thing us allowing God to defend us is natural for most of us. Glad He does it though, in spite of ourselves! Thanks for visiting!
Oh, boy! Did I ever need this today! I have an awful time keeping silent and not jumping in to defend (whether it’s myself or someone else). Thank you for the reminder that GOD is my defender. I can keep silent (well, with his help I can keep silent 😉 ).
Amen, friend! With His help we can keep silent. 🙂 Bless you!