How to respond when someone forbids you from speaking for God

When people tell us we can not speak or teach about Jesus, we have a biblical response found in Peter and John: we will let you worry about whether we should listen to men over God, we can not help but to speak of what we have seen and heard!

In other words, the people telling you not to speak or teach are the only ones who will be upset if you continue to speak in the name of Jesus. God certainly will not be upset if you speak on His behalf!

“So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,” for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:18-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Simple Two Step process for knowing how to respond when someone tells you not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 

• Process the Source

  • Both the religious and the non-religious will try to control your mouth. 

    • Pastors, leaders, and peers who are believers will use certain Scripture to keep you silent. You must look at the WHOLE picture of God to know what He is saying. God doesn’t silence women. Period.

    • Unbelievers do not want anyone preaching, much less a woman who is confident in spreading the Good News. You are a threat to darkness my friend!

  • If anyone other than God Himself tells you to stop preaching and teaching do not listen to them.

    • Sometimes God will tell you to stay silent.

    • It is just as important to stay silent when God says to stay silent as it is to speak when God says to speak. 

• Proceed with Preaching

  • Once you have processed the source of who is wanting you to stop preaching then you can carry on with testifying. 

    • It can be jarring to be told you aren’t allow to preach. Bring those feelings to Jesus. He will reassure your heart. 

    • The Holy Spirit fills you with boldness to preach no matter who does or does not give you permission. 

  • Your response should echo Scripture

    • We see the church in Acts exploding because of the disciples’ boldness to preach. We can follow their lead and even use their exact response.

    • “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,” for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Let other people “worry” about whether it is right for you to speak or not. When you’ve seen God do amazing works in your life and you’ve heard the voice of God in your own life, you can not help but speak out! As you speak, signs and wonders will follow.

SUPER EXCITING!!

I am hosting a free masterclass on speaking THIS MONTH. Be on the lookout via email and @letsecho.co on Insta.

How to Overcome the Crippling Fear that Holds You Back from Using Your Voice. THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES SECRETS TO SPEAKING FOR GOD WITH CONFIDENCE.