Dusty Shoes

Day 11

"The Lord can use a stammering tongue better than a silent one."

Today's devotional tied in nicely with yesterday's.  The question of the day is:  "Why are we silent when it comes to sharing the Gospel?"

Good question.

Why is it that we are silent?

Perhaps it's for the reason I mentioned yesterday, the need to be politically correct.  Or perhaps it's because we are afraid to trip over our tongue.  Maybe we aren't very confident in speaking; maybe we are so new to Christ that we are afraid to misrepresent the Gospel.

That is a legitimate fear, but it's one that can easily be overcome.  Dr. Jeremiah shared some ways to overcome this particular fear and obstacle in today's devotional.

First, ask God to specifically fill you with His Holy Spirit.   (See Ephesians 5.18-19)

I think this is a good thing to ask for every day.  The Spirit will give us the words to say and the strength to share them.

Second, develop a burden.  (See 2Cor. 5.14)

The good Dr. suggested that we see the words "For Whom Christ died" on the forehead of everyone we see...every single day.  This morning, I asked God to help me see His creation through His eyes, to help me love them the way He loves them.  (I'm thinking again of that Brandon Heath song, "Give me your eyes.")  When we see people the way God does, we begin to shed the pre-conceived notions we have of others.  Negative labels disappear in light of this.

Finally, to gain confidence in sharing God's word, we should memorize verses.  (See Psalm 119.42)

One of the first verses I memorized is:  Those who love Your law have great peace, And nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 119.165.  I'm not suggesting that you should memorize that particular one, but it stood out to me for reasons at the time and has stuck with me.  I have used this verse in the past when talking with others.  Since I don't have the best memory in the world, I will write up verses I want to memorize and post them around my computer to read and re-read.

For those who might be new in the faith, Dr. Jeremiah suggested the following verses to memorize:  John 3.16; Romans 3.23, 6.23, 5.8, and 10.9-10, 13; Ephesians 2.8-9; and Acts. 16.31.  (You will have to go read them for yourselves!)

Hiding God's word in your heart this way will help you to be bold in sharing God's word; and don't fear, the Holy Spirit will bring it to your remembrance just when you need it!

Life Sign:  The most important thing I can say is "Jesus loves you."

Verse:  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1.9

Action:  What keeps me from witnessing to others?  What practical steps can I take to overcome these obstacles.