The Falls
Day 92 - Exodus 9:16
Scripture
Exodus 9:16 NIV
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
Reflection
When I was a child, it was cute to talk about Jesus. All my little church friends believed in Him, too, and it felt natural. As an adult, I realized not everyone wants to have that conversation. It was a rude awakening to watch their eyes glaze over, and see people discount everything I said the moment I spoke His name out loud.
It’s easy to say you won’t be ashamed, that you won’t deny God, but it takes a certain kind of bravery to stand firm in what you believe. To talk about Jesus as if He is alive and real, not some figurative, imaginary being up in the sky.
Can we normalize unwavering faith as Christians? Can we normalize unashamedly proclaiming the love of Jesus? Can we stop following it up with, “or whatever you believe in”?
It’s not whatever you believe in—It’s Jesus. He is the whole point. We cannot relay the gospel and remove Him from the conversation for the sake of being politically correct or to avoid offending someone. Jesus wasn’t afraid of offending the Pharisees. He loved them enough to tell them the truth.
Once you’ve experienced the love of God, it seems intolerable to live this life without Him. Once you’ve experienced His comfort, it seems unbearable to mourn or face life’s hardest moments without Him. So if you love someone, don’t water it down. It is a beautiful thing to be on fire for God. It is lovely to carry a heavenly glow. Don’t dim your light just because someone else is comfortable in the darkness. Don’t let your insecurity, fear, or desire to be liked hinder the gospel. Be brave enough to share it with the ones you love. He loves them too, and He just might be using you as a stepping stone to their hearts.
Prayer
Father, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The way, the truth, and the life. You deserve all of our praise and obedience. Help me to unashamedly live my life for You. Forgive me when I am too afraid to speak about You, or too worried what people will think of me, to share the truth of the gospel. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, so I may live boldly for You. Tune my ear to hear Your voice clearly. Help me to draw divine wisdom, clarity, and discernment from Your Word. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Reflection Questions
What is holding you back from sharing the gospel boldly, and what would it look like to surrender that to God?
Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus, and what is one step you can take this week to be a stepping stone to their heart?
Thank You!
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New International Version (NIV)
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