Lessons From Miriam's Unexpected Trials
I was walking to the park with my four-year-old grandson when I began telling him what his name meant. “Cayden Caleb, you have such a great name. It means ‘strong warrior,’ and YOU are a strong warrior!” He looked at me wide-eyed in amazement. I'll never forget what happened next. He stood taller and puffed his chest out, ran to the top of the jungle gym, and proudly showed off his muscles just like a strong warrior would. He’s eighteen now, but I've reminded him of that time over the years. That experience reinforced the important truth that words have power. The Bible teaches that our words can bring life or death. They encourage or discourage, heal or wound, build or tear down. Scripture says that we will eat the fruit of our words, meaning our speech produces consequences that eventually return to us.
Have you ever said something you later wished you could take back? Sometimes our words are spoken carelessly out of frustration. Other times, they are fueled by pride or jealousy. Whatever the reason, Scripture repeatedly reminds us that our words matter because they reveal what’s in our hearts.
In the Bible, Miriam was from a family marked by strong faith in God. As a young girl, she watched over her baby brother, Moses, in a powerful story that illustrated God's sovereignty. She celebrated Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea, and she was recognized as a respected leader.
Numbers 12 tells us that Miriam began speaking against Moses with Aaron. It seemed harmless enough, especially because some of what she was saying was true. But soon a deeper issue was revealed. Her critical, prideful heart was what was shaping her words. She said, “Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?” (Numbers 12:2).
She questioned the position and authority God had given Moses. Left unchecked, her criticism would have undermined God's appointed leader and created division among the Israelites. God was not happy about this at all. Scripture records four sobering words, “the LORD heard it.” (Numbers 12:2). What a powerful reminder that God hears every conversation, every complaint, and every criticism. Jesus taught that we will one day give an account for every careless word we speak. God sternly called Miriam, Aaron, and Moses before Him. Then He personally defended Moses, reminding them that Moses was His servant and the most faithful in all his house.
Then God asked a question, “Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:8)
When God’s presence departed, Miriam was struck with a skin disease and suffered a trial of her own doing. The consequence of her words now returned to her. God's action was immediate and unforgettable. Moses, the very man she had spoken against, became the one who interceded for her. What a beautiful picture of grace. After a period of separation, Miriam was restored and welcomed back into the camp.
Through this trial, Miriam learned something she could not have learned any other way. She already knew God's power and deliverance, but now she experienced His holiness, justice, and mercy, as well as the way He protects His servants. God's discipline humbled her, and His mercy restored her.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Most people will never experience consequences exactly like Miriam did, but all of us have seen the damage that words can cause. Miriam's story reminds us that our speech reveals the condition of our hearts. May we use our words to bring encouragement.
May we understand how seriously God takes speaking against others. If He asked us the same question He asked Miriam, “Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant ___________?”
How would we answer?
At the same time, her story offers hope. When we speak wrongly, we can seek forgiveness. The same God who disciplined Miriam also healed her. He still works the same way today.
I still remember my grandson standing taller after hearing that his name meant “strong warrior”. That’s the power of words. They are life-giving or life-diminishing. May we choose our words wisely.
PRAYER
Father, please guard my heart and my words. Protect me from pride, jealousy, and criticism. Teach me to speak words that honor You and encourage others. Forgive me when I speak carelessly. Create in me a humble heart. Thank you for Your mercy, correction, and restoration. Amen.
Colette Fabry is the founder of A Right Heart Ministries, where she and her staff assist grieving individuals, guiding them to recognize God as the healer of all brokenness. Colette is the owner of Rochester Anger Management, a company dedicated to providing hope and healing for those in need. She holds a Masters degree in counseling and theology, and is nationally certified in conflict resolution as well as grief and loss. For the past 28 years, Colette has successfully taught problem-solving and strategies to overcome everyday obstacles. Colette is wife, mother of three sons, grandmother, a nationally known speaker and author. She enjoys reading, studying, writing and says God’s greatest accomplishment in her life has been raising her sons. She cherishes time spent with her grandchildren.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.