So my mouth was opened and I was no longer silent.

Ezekiel 33:22b

During a worship service, each member of the worship team gave their life verse and why they chose it. One woman clearly had a calling. She repeated Proverbs 31:8 which says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” Her passion was to use her voice (and boy could she use it to sing!) Before she belted out an old hymn, she said, “Don’t be silent.”

That moment happened eight years ago. I don’t remember what others said, but I remember her because it was clear she could no longer be silent about her passion. It came from depths unknown and was so pure. Her song resonated with me, and started me on the journey to find my own passion.

When you see passion in someone else, it’s obvious and clear as a bird singing in the morning. It cuts through the other noise. How do you know when you’ve found your passion and your voice?

Think through these three questions to define your passion:

1. When was the last time that you noticed your heart was beating fast because you knew you had to say something or do something? If you can’t remember, be on the lookout for the next time you just can’t stay silent.
2. When was the last time that you heard someone speak and it stuck with you for years? We hear so much content and voices these days that when you remember a specific example, it’s worth paying attention to. In Becoming a Person of Influence, John Maxwell shares that “most people can recall only 50 percent of what they hear immediately after hearing it. And as time passes, their ability to remember continues to drop. By the next day, their retention is usually down to about 25 percent.” What you remember is critical to…well…remember.
3. What have you heard in the silence? Sometimes it’s not what you hear, but what you don’t hear. Through prayer, you’ll be able to find the gap. Find where there is a place for you to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8).

When you have found your voice, you are responsible to use it well. When God opens your mouth, don’t be silent. Share your passion and use it to do good in the world for His name’s sake.

What is your passion? Share it on Facebook: facebook.com/HopelesslyHopefulBooks

As we head into the new year, it’s a great time to massage your passion by Discovering Your Why. Join me for a one-hour webinar on January 7 at 5:30 pm PT. Learn more and register here.

Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash

© 2020, Mollie Bond. All rights reserved. Originally published at www.molliebond.wordpress.com.