God departed, and as the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there was Miriam, her skin white as snow from leprosy! When Aaron saw her, he cried out to Moses in verse 11, “Please do not lay this sin on us, in which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned.” When you have done (or said) something wrong, go to God immediately! And did you notice that Miriam and Aaron were both involved in the conversation, but only she was stricken with leprosy? It makes me wonder about the power of a woman’s words, that God would move so swiftly and that she would be affected.
Interestingly, the very person they were criticizing at the beginning of the chapter was the same one who prayed for them. Have you even been there, when you have to “pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you“? (Matthew 5:44) Moses didn’t hesitate. He didn’t say, “That’s what you get!” He didn’t give them a lecture. He didn’t gloat. He prayed for his sister, and God heard Moses. But her actions did reap consequences: she was shut out of the camp for seven days. And not only was she kept on the outside, the people did not move forward in the journey until she returned! She caused a delay in the process and the progress. Miriam’s words shut everything down.
Sisters, we have that type of influence, to create or hinder progress. Your words affect those who are around you—and not just in your household. You can move mountains with your words or you can create mountains and obstacles by the words that you allow to come out of your mouth. Today I encourage you to choose your words wisely.
The Manna Chef 