Speak Out

Speak Out

2 Timothy 1:7-10 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord…. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News." 

I was thinking and seeking God about what to write today, and this Scripture came across something I was reading. I knew right away that I needed to use it.

Speaking out about God is something we all need to learn to do without being afraid or timid.

I took my mom to have a procedure done last week, and they had to wheel her out as part of the hospital’s procedures. The young man who was her transport for the day started talking to us about God because my mom was wearing a Jesus shirt. This young man was a new Christ follower, and as he shared his story with us, I listened and was reminded of how God meets us exactly where we are and right when we need Him most. I was also proud of this young man for talking with us — complete strangers — about what God had done in his life. I talked with him a bit, encouraged him to keep seeking the Lord, and before we got into our car, I prayed with him.

This younger generation is not afraid to speak out, and I love seeing that.

When I read the Bible and see the boldness of the disciples — how open and direct they were — I’m amazed. In fact, just the other day I was talking with my husband about it, saying that we need to be like that. No fear, no hesitation — just letting God’s love and power work in our lives so that we can speak out for Him and about Him to others.

So many times, I believe God has given me opportunities to speak out, but I’ve worried about what others might think. I can honestly say that something shifted in my thinking when I truly realized how impactful God has been in my life — when I realized that the life I have is because of Him and is meant to be lived for Him.

I’m sure there are still moments I miss, but I am more open about it than I used to be.

If we aren’t able to speak out about our Savior, then who will? The Bible says that if we don’t, the rocks will cry out.

Think about that… we, God’s creation — if we don’t speak out, then a rock will.

Rocks. We walk on them; we kick them around. They have no voice, but God will give them one if needed. I imagine that would be pretty amazing to see, but I already have a voice, and it should be used for the Lord.

We live in a world that can be harsh, but Jesus did tell us that people will hate us because we love and follow Him. So, we already know what will happen when we go against the world and live for Christ.

Knowing that, why do we hesitate?

It’s our humanity. We let our thoughts and fears overrule the courage and strength that come from the Lord.

We are able to speak out for so many things in this world, but we find it hard to stand firm and speak out about the one thing that matters most. And my friend, I’m right there with you — I’m learning to be bold.

The more the Lord shows me that I can, the more I find that I want to.

So anytime God gives you an opportunity — speak out.