"Scared to Say"

Sometimes we’re scared to say it,

When it comes our turn,

Not sure just how to play it,

Or what we need to learn.

To stand up strong for Jesus,

To say that He is Lord,

Not compromise our witness,

Strong with the Spirit’s sword.

We read how all our fathers,

Boldly lived and died,

Weren’t afraid to speak on up,

Truth-telling, never lied.

But we have our misgivings,

We want sensitivity,

Not come off as judgmental,

Or preachy, don’t you see.

In fact sometimes we hide behind,

What sounds so wise for sure,

That sermons lived are better,

Than words we must endure.

And walking never talking,

Sounds so good that we,

Never mention Jesus,

Or how He sets men free.

Faith comes not from seeing,

But hearing God’s own word,

And someone has to speak it,

For it to be heard.

How shall they hear, the Word says,

Unless somebody tells,

What the Lord has done for them,

The testimony sells.

We talk of sports and politics,

Of movies and of weather,

Of plans and food and family fun,

When we all get together.

So let’s try to get over,

What we’re scared to say,

Let’s lift up the Savior,

Start telling it today.

“And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14, NLT)

I know, I know. You can’t fuss at somebody enough to make them talk about Jesus. It just doesn’t work that way, does it? They tell us we ought to and we know it’s true. But we find more reason to excuse ourselves than to figure out what’s holding us back. And what would that be? Think of it this way. The Corona virus has disrupted the lives of countless people, not to mention the many thousands who have died. What if you were the one who discovered the cure, the vaccine, the solution? And then, instead of letting anyone know, you kept it a secret. In fact, you allowed it to cure you, but shared the cure with no one. Such a scenario would be unthinkable, right? Absolutely. And is this a legitimate analogy? I think so.

Lord, help us to find our voice, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Claire Porter, claireporterphotography.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Claire, and God bless you.