Two Roads: Lenten Devotional on Speaking God's Words

"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:37

A Lenten Devotional on Speaking God's Words

I never expected to find Robert Frost's two diverging roads in the middle of a conversation, but there they are, almost every time. I've found Robert Frost's seminal poem "The Road Not Taken" to have more life applications than I could have ever thought. There's almost always a moment where I can see both paths in front of me: the easy road that plays it safe, says

what the other person wants to hear, or takes the bait and turns into an argument. And then there's the other road. The harder one. In those moments I've learned to pray, Lord, yours is the path less traveled. Holy Spirit, give me the words. Because left to myself, I'll take the easy road almost every time.

Jeremiah knew that tension well. He proclaimed God's words faithfully — and his enemies plotted against him for it. He even stood before God and interceded on behalf of the very people who wanted him silenced (Jer. 20:20). Centuries later, Jesus walked the same road. When Satan tempted Him in the desert, he offered Jesus exactly what the world offers anyone who plays along — popularity, power, comfort. Jesus refused, declaring that man lives "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4). His enemies eventually had to bribe dishonest men just to convict Him.

The pattern is consistent: speaking God's words faithfully tends to cost you something.

So it's natural to ask what Jeremiah asked — must good be repaid with evil? (Jer. 20:20). When we look at the world around us, it can genuinely feel that way. But here's what we need to hold onto: many people accept the terms Satan offered Jesus. They trade faithfulness for approval, and as Jesus says, "they have received their reward in full" (Matt. 6:2). That reward is real — it just doesn't last.

Our reward isn't meant to be collected in full in this life. This is the heart of a Lenten devotional on speaking God's words — choosing the harder road knowing the payoff comes later. By speaking the words of God, we will face the world's judgment. But Jesus made clear we will be justified by our words before Him (Matt. 12:37). More than that, the ruler of this world has already been condemned (John 12:31, 16:11). The enemy's power is borrowed time.

This Lent, recommit to taking the road less traveled — God's road. It won't always be the popular choice, and it will cost you something. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you (Jas. 4:7). Jeremiah took that road. Jesus took that road. And when you stand at that fork in your next conversation and pray Holy Spirit, give me the words — you're taking it too. That road, as Frost wrote, makes all the difference.

Daily Practice

At the start of each day this week, read a few verses of Scripture and ask God: Is there something here You want me to say or live out today, even if it costs me something? At the end of the day, reflect on whether you acted on it.