I still remember the first time I spoke in tongues. It was during my junior secondary school days at Faith Academy, Canaan Land, in Nigeria. We had a Wednesday service with our chaplain, Pastor Charles, and the atmosphere was charged with worship and expectation.
That day, the presence of God was so tangible. As we prayed, something new began to flow out of me, words I could not understand. It felt strange and beautiful at the same time. Yet, I was afraid. Afraid because I didn’t know what I was saying. Afraid because I didn’t fully understand the meaning behind it.
Like the disciples in Acts 2, when “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4, NIV), I too had been given this gift, though at the time I didn’t fully grasp its significance.
Why Speaking in Tongues Matters
Over time, I began to understand that speaking in tongues is not about me making sense of the words; it is about allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through me. Romans 8:26 says:
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
This changed everything for me. When I pray in my own words, I might ask God for the things I think I need. But the Holy Spirit sees what I cannot see. God knows the future. He sees the unseen. He understands the battles I’m unaware of and intercedes accordingly.
Speaking in tongues is surrender. It is trusting that God knows what is best and allowing Him to align my heart with His will.
Overcoming Fear in Prayer
At first, my fear held me back. I wondered: What if I’m saying something wrong? What if this isn’t real? But the more time I spent in God’s presence, the more I learned to trust.
Sometimes it began with just a few minutes of tongues, then more minutes, and now it flows more freely. I haven’t yet prayed for hours in tongues, but each time I do, I feel the strengthening, peace, and breakthrough that only God can bring.
1 Corinthians 14:2 reminds us:
“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”
That truth silenced my fear. Even if I don’t understand it, God does.
Encouragement for You
Maybe you’ve received the gift of tongues but feel unsure or hesitant to use it. Maybe fear or doubt has made you hold back. I want to encourage you today: spend more time in God’s presence. Read His Word. Worship. Pray. Let the Spirit of God flow through you.
The more you lean on Him, the freer you will become in prayer.
If you have the gift of speaking in tongues but haven’t been using it, take time this week to pray and let it flow. Even if it feels awkward at first, trust the Holy Spirit.
If you haven’t received this gift yet but desire it, ask God with a sincere heart. Luke 11:13 reminds us:
“How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
God is willing and ready to fill you with His Spirit.
If you have enjoyed this piece, check How to know when God is speaking.
With Love,
Jesus baby (Ayo)
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