“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” Romans 14:13 NKJ
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matthew 7:6 NKJ
I have always been the kind of person who openly shares my visions, dreams, and faith. In the past couple of years I have been learning how important it is to be discerning with whom I share and what I share. I am a very trusting person and always believe the best about people, and suppose they believe the best about me. Unfortunately, as you know, this is not always the case. Some people are naysayers. They are wounded individuals who live their lives tearing other people down. They don’t always mean to, but being a naysayer has become a part of their mental makeup.
A naysayer is defined as someone with an aggressively negative attitude, or one who consistently denies, criticizes, or doubts; a cynic or a heckler. They discredit ideas without having a full understanding and they see the world from a “glass half empty” point of view. Their favorite phrases are things like, “That will never work”, “what’s the point in trying”, “you are such a dreamer, come back to reality”, “I have never seen God do that before, I think you are kidding yourself”, etc. In other words, they think and say things that are contrary to hope, faith, belief, redemption, vision, or provision.
While we are called to love the naysayers, it is wise for us to keep from giving them permission to assault our dreams, hope, faith, and desires, by sharing with them. It is important for us to realize that other people can instill doubt with their words, which can lead us to question God’s Words of promise. We have no power to change a naysayer’s point of view, because they are the only ones who hold the key to change within themselves. What we can do is pray that they allow God to heal them, so they can change from a naysayer to a way-sayer.
A way-sayer is defined as a person who builds up, encourages, and instills hope with their words. They know who they are in Christ and understand that God has a plan and purpose for each believer’s life. They listen intently when you share and believe God is bigger than life, and able to do way more than we could ever think or imagine. For instance Paul is a great example of a way-sayer. In Ephesians 3:20 he says, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,…” Ephesians 3:20 NKJ
With all Paul had been through in life, persecuting and killing God’s people, he had an encounter with God on the Damascus road that changed him forever! He didn’t hold onto the guilt, shame, and pain of the past. He allowed God to change him from the inside out, which turned him into one who encouraged, built up, and spurred people on, to become all God created them to be. This is the very thing a naysayer has refused to do, and it is the reason they throw stumbling blocks in the paths of their fellow brothers and sisters in the faith. Until they have a Damascus road experience and allow God to transform them from the inside out, it is best to steer clear, because they will persecute and kill your hopes, dreams, and visions.
Jesus is another great example of a way-sayer. In John 14:12 He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12 NKJ These words are a constant reminder that Jesus advocates for us to the Father and He has equipped us and commissioned us, to do even greater things than He did on earth. Jesus made a way where before there was no way! A way-sayer constantly reminds us of our ability in Christ to accomplish God’s purpose. They remind us of our ability to overcome the enemy’s attacks. They encourage us to believe God’s ability, over man’s inability. These are the people who have a solid foundation in Christ, and who are willing to build up, encourage, and strengthen others with their words. They are the ones who help their brothers and sisters in Christ remove the stumbling blocks in their path.
I want to encourage you to ask God if you are a naysayer or a way-sayer. Allow Him to heal any area of your life that may have caused you to become a naysayer. Then spend time evaluating the relationships you have and identify the naysayers and the way-sayers. Set boundaries with the naysayers and set appointments with the way-sayers. God has such amazing plans and purposes for your life! Spend time in the Word and look for other examples of way-sayers. Let their words and actions encourage you in the faith.
Prayer: I believe by faith that You are able to more than I could ever think or imagine and that You have a great and mighty purpose for my life. I choose today to be a way-sayer and to encourage and built up my brothers and sisters in the faith. I choose today to meditate on Your Word and to believe in Your promises. As I do these things I know that You will fulfill Your promises for my life. Amen
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