At a women’s Christmas event over the weekend, I had the distinct privilege of introducing someone who has quickly become a very close friend. Anyone who knows me well understands that I labor in preparing every word that I speak in a public setting. I pray, think, rehearse, rework, restate, and agonize any time I’ll address a crowd. (It’s clearly a Martha vs Mary mentality.) As I thought through what to say, I considered both the audience and the friend I’d introduce. Most of the audience had not yet met her and I wanted them to love her as I do. Which of her characteristics should I share? What points from her past would provide connection? How should I describe her impact on my personal walk with Christ?
In the afterglow of the event, I began to reflect on how my
words were stated and wondered if I said all I’d wanted to. You see, no matter
how much I rehearse and try to memorize, my words come out differently than I
plan nearly every single time I face an audience. Knowing that about myself
makes me wonder why I agonize as I do. It’s somewhat of an obsession that I’ve developed
from knowing the trouble that my mouth can cause. I’ve learned that I can’t prepare
too much, even when I’ll provide a simple 60-second introduction for someone I
adore.
This morning’s contemplation, however, brought a new twist
and I wondered…
Do I put as much time, energy and effort preparing to introduce Christ to those I know and love?
I adore the Lord and wish for everyone I know to
love Him as I do. Therefore, which of His characteristics should I share? Which
points from my past with Him would help to provide the most connection? How
should I describe my Savior and speak of my personal walk with Him? Do I give
proper attention to the manner in which I’ll introduce Him? Do I pray for opportunity
and preparedness?
The spirit brought conviction to my heart because if I’m
honest, no, I don’t give intentional witness the focus it deserves. The Christmas
season is a wonderful time to share Christ and people seem more open than
normal to hear about Him. I have a new resolve to pray that I don’t squander
the opportunities that God provides and that I don’t hesitate to share about the
Lord.
The Bible teaches that we are not to worry about what we are
to say, particularly as it relates to our witness, because in that very hour,
the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak (Mark 13:9-11). I can’t possibly rehearse every potential
scenario and I must trust that the Lord will instruct me on what to say. But I
can prepare in other ways. I can pray and ask the Lord for greater willingness
to share. I can ask that He show me when, where, and with whom to speak, and I
can pray that He prepare hearts for what He’ll speak through me. As I take these
steps to prepare, I’m sure to find myself more willing to walk in obedience and
better able to see the opportunities that He presents.
I take it to the Lord in prayer: "Father, I pray that Your children will feel a sense of
urgency to share Your Truth with a lost world. Make us ready, and prepare the hearts
of those who share and those who hear. We ask for your strength and power to go
before us and pave the way. We trust that we walk in Your path to accomplish what
You purpose in each life. Thank you for Your faithfulness!"
Your turn:
Over which events or situations (holiday or otherwise) do
you “obsessively” prepare?
How does this compare with the way you prepare to share
Christ with others?
What changes would you like to make in either area?
Be strengthened today, by the Word,
Cathy
Psalm 119:28
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