Speak!
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent” (Acts 18:9, NIV).
Silence can be deafening! It certainly can be awkward and uncomfortable. The sound of nothing can be a welcomed relief to an exhausted parent or it can be a red flag which deserves immediate attention. Perhaps it is all of these at different times but we still need to speak!
Let’s talk about sharing Jesus with others. I am sure that just by mentioning that right now, you feel something in your gut. Maybe you’re a bit unnerved. Your saliva has dried up and you can hear your own heart beat pounding in your ears. Yup! I know that feeling.
We all have a niche. I love talking to kids about Jesus and writing about Him to adults. I have learned to speak in many different ways: music, art / painting, photographs, drama, telling and writing stories. You are probably thinking: ‘I can show the love of Jesus through my actions’ and that is expected but words are necessary. Maybe your thoughts are something like this, ‘that’s what the preacher is for!’ or you have a great fear that you might stumble all over your words and make Jesus (and you) look foolish.
What is to be said about Him during this very special time? Where can we start? Just speak! Talk about His love, sacrifice, what He did for us, the joy we can find, the mystery of His resurrection and heaven. It is better to use words that paint pictures.
Regardless of what language is spoken, there is a good-news message that needs to shared with the youngest child to the oldest living adult. There are still people in our world who have never heard the story about Jesus and have never had the opportunity to give their hearts to Him.
Now is not the time to be silent! Yes, it requires courage to speak but think of the courage it took for our beautiful Savior to die for us.
Loving Father, thank You for Your words of encouragement. Help us to speak out and tell this lost world about You. AMEN.