Share Your Faith

That precious memory triggers another; your honest faith- and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry that you received when I laid hands on you and prayed- keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. 2 Timothy 1:5-7

In the above scripture, Paul is addressing Timothy. Paul, the key apostle throughout the New Testament, is encouraging his young protege in the ministry of the gospel. At the time this is written, Paul is alone in prison, yet he finds it important to get word to Timothy as a means of encouraging his faith and giving him a focus. Paul understands that the Christian faith is shared not only by word of mouth, but by our daily living. As he addresses Timothy in the beginning of this letter, Paul is quick to remind Timothy that the faith he has was also lived out by his mother and grandmother. He then tells Timothy to live boldly, lovingly, and sensibly. He is to live out the faith he has inherited and make it now his own.

This gets my mind going and encourages me as a mom and grandma; I too must live and talk my faith! As Aimee's blog yesterday encouraged you to share your story, I too am urging you to talk your faith openly. Not for show or to mask the messy life underneath, but to give testimony to the reason you stand strong in life's storms. It is Christ in us that keeps us firm. It is Christ that strengthens and enables us to smile and carry on when the pressures of life try to overwhelm us. Therefore, we should give the glory where the glory is due! Praise God for He alone has rescued us from the perils of this earthly life!

Sharing isn't easy. At first you may feel uncomfortable speaking about Jesus and God out loud. I find it easiest to talk about him with a praise for the gifts he's given. "Isn't this a beautiful day God has given us!" or perhaps, "I am so thankful that God gave me you!" Such simple statements reflect the love in our heart for God, do not demand response, make His name known, and open the avenue for further discussions about God at a later time. 

Dear Lord, we are so grateful for all you have done for us. You surrendered your life that we may live life to the full. Through your Spirit we ask for the courage to speak about you boldly, lovingly, and sensibly! 

In your precious name we pray, Amen.