The Bible talks several times about speaking in tongues.
In one way, the Bible explains it as a spiritual language—which is probably the “tongues” you’re thinking of right now. In fact, you might even be thinking of a church where people hold snakes in the air and fall on the ground fainting.
I used to think of that when I heard the phrase “speaking in tongues“.
However, after getting to know the Lord and studying His Word on this topic for the last several years, I know that while it isn’t as common in America to speak in tongues, it is absolutely a real gift from the Lord.
However, today, I want to talk about the other tongue God has been teaching me: the Spanish language.
Isn’t it cool that God can teach us tongues of other earthly languages?
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this…[The people] were surprised because, as the apostles were speaking, everyone heard in their own language.” -Acts 2:4-6
On the race, God has been teaching me Spanish in my sleep and throughout my days. Sometimes in the middle of a conversation, the words come to me from the Spirit.
Two days ago, I hopped into an Uber, having no idea I would be stepping into a divine appointment. My Uber driver was a man named Christian. He spoke no English, but we talked for the entire car ride.
To be clear, my conversations in Spanish are normally very minimal; they quickly plateau. I sound like I know Spanish when I order a cup of coffee, make small talk, or explain that I know very little Spanish. Then, a Spanish speaker asks me something deeper and I have to sheepishly say, “no entiendo” (“I don’t understand”), “despacio por favor” (“[speak] slower please”), or “lo siento–mi espanol es muy malo” (“I’m sorry–my Spanish is very bad”).
Not to say I didn’t say these things in this conversation–because I did. However, this conversation was different; it went deeper and the Lord facilitated the entire interaction. He gave me the words to say and an understanding for the tongue like I’ve never experienced quite the same before.
Christian and I talked about God’s gifts and His promises to us. He told me about his relationship with the Lord. He told me about his church in San Juan (Su Presencia, meaning Your Presence), about the co-ed small group he leads within his home, and about how he serves as a greeter at his church, just like me! Christian also shared about his job, his home town, and told me about the missionaries within his church.
We talked the entire time. Thanks, God.
Before I knew it, we were pulling into our hostel driveway. What had actually been an hour-long trek felt like a mere 15 minutes.
I thanked him and wished him blessings as I grabbed my bags and exited the car.
“Hasta en cielo!” I said, waving goodbye. (This means “See you in heaven!”)
And I believe I will see him in heaven someday.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this lovely divine appointment, and thank you for giving me the words to say. I am so grateful for Your help in learning Spanish and in You speaking it when I don’t know the words. Thank you for giving me the words, no matter the language.
