3 Steps to Finding Your Voice
How to Find Your Voice
We’ve all seen the movies with the shy girl who claims to have “lost her voice.” We sympathize with her, we feel for her, and we might even shout at our television screens what we would do if we were her. Yet how many of us have also lost our voice without even realizing it? How many of us no longer feel able to speak out against injustice and the things of this world that dishonor God? How many of us have shrunk back in fear and determined within the privacy of our own hearts that we just don’t have a voice? Or, are we hiding in fear of using our voice? I’d dare to say most—if not all—of us have done just that in our lifetime.
The truth is, we haven’t lost our voice. If we have a pulse, we have a voice. God’s not done with us, and He has not fully accomplished the purpose He wishes to accomplish through us. As long as we live, we will continue to carry with us a divine purpose that is fulfilled by using our voice for God’s glory.
Called to Witness
“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be.” Isaiah 43:10 NLT
YOU are a witness. We have a voice because God has ordained us as His witnesses! How can we witness without a voice? Let’s think about this for a moment. What does it mean to be a witness? In a courtroom scene, we observe the witness take the stand. This witness is asked questions and is expected, and encouraged to respond with her voice. She proclaims what she saw (witnessed) and heard. She speaks out in truth.
In the same way, you and I are God’s witnesses. We are called to serve Him by speaking out and sharing what we’ve seen and heard about Him with those around us. We are called to use our voice for His glory and the good of others. It’s kingdom-building at its best.
Own Your Voice
So, don’t be silenced. Whether your silence is due to a fear of rejection, the fear of the unknown, or simply a lack of faith, do not neglect your voice, find your voice and own it!
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of owning your voice. By this, I mean having the confidence to speak up and share your feelings or views. As women of faith, we are called to encourage, equip, and empower one another for the glory of God. And, I can’t think of a better way to support one another than through our words – using our power and influence for the betterment of each other, and for the purpose of kingdom building.
How do we step out and boldly use our voice for kingdom-building? I’ve shared three steps to assist you in finding and owning your voice. And, know this, finding your voice will not only strengthen you, but it will also allow you to stand up for those around you who have yet to find their voice.
As you read through the 3 steps to finding your voice, take some time to reflect on the passages of Scripture and ask God where He is leading you to share your voice.
3 Steps to Finding Your Voice
1. Uncover where you are being called to speak.
Spend time reading God’s Word and seeking His direction. God shares His Words with us to proclaim them and share them with the world. Where do you feel God calling you to use your voice?
“So is my word that comes from my mouth; it does not return to me empty. Instead, it does what I want, and accomplishes what I intend.” Isaiah 55:11 CEB
Wherever God is leading you, step out in faith to where you are being called to share your voice. You may find God is calling you to witness to family members or your neighbors. Maybe you are being called to a larger platform. Just know it is important to spend time seeking God’s direction to discover where you are being called to witness.
You don’t have to be a renowned influencer to make a difference with your voice. Just look around at where you’ve been placed. Who are you already influencing? Your current season isn’t by accident. You have been placed by God in His perfect knowledge and sovereignty. Start where you are with what you have today.
2. Overcome the fear that led you to abandon your voice.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
I can speak from experience that we never really lose our voice, we just minimize it because somewhere along the way, we allowed fear to silence us. Have you been there? Is there a time in your life when you chose to remain silent due to fear, or perhaps you felt powerless, so you decided to keep quiet?
There were many times in my life when I allowed my fears to silence me. I was hesitant about using my voice or speaking up. And, for those of you who know me well, I am not one to be easily silenced. But fear can wreak havoc over our lives if we allow it. If we are afraid of making a mistake, being rejected by others, or being punished for our opinions, we are allowing fear to control us. God’s Word states explicitly that the Spirit of God gives us power. So, if He is for us, who can be against us?
Let’s take a look at The Message version of 2 Timothy 1:5-7, Paul’s prayers for Timothy,
“That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.”
I love this passage. These words are so encouraging to me, “And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze!” Paul is encouraging Timothy through these words of prayer, speaking words of faith over Timothy. The power of prayer and the power of our voices are formidable!
God does not want us to be shy with our gifts. He has given each of us unique gifts to be used for His glory. When I remind myself of this, I am also reminded of 1 John 4:18, “there is no fear in love because God’s perfect love drives out fear.”
God has given each of us a voice to be used to share His Word with the world. My question is, are you ready to proclaim His Word, or will you remain silent in fear?
3. Speak words of favor over yourself.
Sometimes, the place where our voices are most needed is within our own souls. It could be you haven’t lost your voice at all. Maybe you’ve been speaking to throngs of people with the message you feel the Lord has given you to speak, but, in the process, you’ve neglected to speak the truth to yourself. Perhaps you need to allow God’s Word to speak to you and allow His words to minister to your own heart.
Using our voice for others is satisfying, but it’s the intentions and motivations behind our voice that is at the heart of our witnessing. Ask yourself, is your desire to share God’s Word for His glory, or is it for your glory?
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
Let’s remember the significance of speaking words of favor over ourselves and consider the importance of protecting our hearts and minds. It is essential to direct our thoughts because what we choose to dwell on, we become. Our thoughts and our speech guide us and those around us. Ask yourself, what are your actions and words reflecting?
My Prayer for You
I pray you will step out boldly and declare God’s Word to the world. Today, more than ever, we need to proclaim His goodness and righteousness. Let’s give the world hope and love as we navigate the uncertainty. This is our call. Our voice is God-ordained, and He pleads for us to cry aloud, so don’t hold back!
“Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!” Isaiah 58:1 (MSG)
Every day is a new day, where we are called to experience victory and live life in the fullness of Christ. I hope you’ll join me this month as we set our minds on what is true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, and gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse – Philippians 4.
Let’s raise our voices for His glory!
Let’s choose faith over fear!
Let’s choose victory!
