Reflection: Tongues, the Spirit, and God’s Timing

 Reflection: Tongues, the Spirit, and God’s Timing

I’ve been thinking a lot about speaking in tongues lately. You know, in some Christian gatherings, people say things like, “You must speak in tongues immediately when you receive the Holy Spirit.” I used to feel so pressured by that. I even wondered if not speaking in tongues meant I was missing out on something essential.

But then I remember my own experience. I was in Junior Secondary School, at a Girls' Auxiliary camp program, if you are a Baptist reading this, then I am sure you know what G.A is. We were praying, really hungry for God, hearts wide open. And then…it happened. I started speaking in tongues. I didn’t plan it. I didn’t try to make it happen. It just came. That moment taught me something so simple, yet so profound: the Spirit moves, and we just respond.

Since then, I’ve seen people receive tongues in all kinds of ways. Some get it immediately, some months or years later, and some never do and that’s okay. Tongues is a gift, not a requirement. God gives gifts as He wills, not according to our timing or our effort (1 Corinthians 12:11).

I heard a story recently that really struck me. Ezinne Zara, a young woman I really admire, this woman of God I recommend, she has a YouTube channel called Ezinne Zara I follow on YouTube, and also an Instagram account called Ezinne Zara. God has really used this woman of God for me, I have not even met her physically before. God is so good. She was sharing her testimony. She said that one night, a friend received a prophecy from God that she would speak in tongues that evening. And sure enough, it happened! That story hit me because it shows two important truths:

God sometimes confirms His work through prophecy, to prepare our hearts and encourage us.

God’s timing is always perfect. Even with the prophecy, the gift came because God chose to move not because anyone demanded it.

This is such an important lesson: we don’t pray for a specific gift; we pray for the Holy Spirit. We stay open, we stay surrendered, and we let God decide how and when He wants to move. Gifts like tongues are beautiful, but they don’t measure your faith, your intimacy with God, or your spiritual maturity.

I’ve also noticed how emphasizing tongues as proof of Spirit baptism can be harmful. It creates pressure, comparison, and even fear for those who haven’t received it. But Scripture reminds us that the real evidence of the Spirit is fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). That’s what matters most.

The Spirit is not a formula. He works differently in each of us. One person may prophesy, another may serve quietly, another may speak in tongues. What matters most is surrender, openness, and trust in God’s timing.

So here’s my takeaway, and I really hope this encourages anyone reading this: pray for more of God, not just a gift. Stay open. Stay humble. Stay surrendered. If tongues flow, praise Him. If not, rest in Him anyway. The Spirit is alive in you, shaping your heart, guiding your steps, and filling your life with His presence. That, my friends, is freedom. That, my friends, is peace. That, my friends, is intimacy with God.

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