YOUR WAY, YAHWEH DEVOTIONAL

Snowed in and Stirred Up: Why Silence Isn’t an Option for Believers

By Kristi Miller

Praying for safety and warmth for the entire state of Kentucky—in Jesus’ name. ❄️
While we’re snowed in on these cold, cozy days, I’d love for you to take a moment to read this devotional.

Recently, a well-known and highly favored celebrity was quoted for what many considered “words of wisdom.” Within that statement was a very common saying: “Don’t talk politics and don’t talk religion.” While this diplomatic approach may seem ethical or well-intentioned, we must ask ourselves—does it line up with Scripture?

If we never discuss politics or support strong leaders, we may miss opportunities to lovingly enlighten others who are genuinely undecided—people whose votes affect the future of our towns, our state, and our country. Many voters are well-meaning and sincerely want to contribute. Some would welcome a fresh perspective and the benefit of being better informed, especially when moral issues and godly values are at stake.

I realize we are not called to provoke riots or get ourselves fired from work. But with God’s leading and the gentleness of the Holy Spirit, we are not required to remain silent either. Innocent lives being aborted deserve our courage and our willingness to speak up for them.

This brings me to the subject of religion. Prayer and even the mention of God are more and more commonly persecuted—often openly and in published ways. In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Personally, I will take this command over the suggestion of society. I’m not judging anyone for saying otherwise—I’ve probably said it myself. But the last time I heard it, God laid this message on my heart.

He did not give us His Holy Word—our daily instruction manual for life—so that we could keep it quiet or suppress it. The school system and much of the workforce often treat the name of Jesus as though it were profanity. Doesn’t that sound like a tactic of Satan? Of course he doesn’t want the name of Jesus spoken—there is power in His name. Power that defeats evil, changes lives, and saves souls.

Think of it this way: imagine sitting at your desk at school or work when you notice something has caught fire, but the alarm hasn’t sounded yet. Would you calmly stay quiet for fear of offending someone—or would you urgently shout, “Get out! There’s a fire!” In an emergency, we don’t worry about being offensive—we worry about saving lives.

If we believe what the Word of God tells us—that judgment is real and eternity matters—then isn’t this an emergency? Don’t we need to say, with urgency and boldness, “Fire is coming—get to safety! Turn to Jesus!” I may not be politically correct, but I would much rather offend someone now for saying too much than face them later knowing I said too little while eternity was at stake.

Luke 9:26 tells us, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” These are the guidelines that truly matter in our daily lives.

The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. Boldness does not mean bickering. Courage does not mean conflict. When we follow His leading, we can change hearts and minds, advance His Kingdom, and walk forward preceded by peace and covered in His favor.