One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” Acts 18:9
Talking is one thing that some people like to do, others do not like to talk very much. In order to get most people to talk, one must get them to talk about themselves or what interests them.
People are often quickly shut down or ignored by others, when they speak, because they do not want to hear what is being said. This is often done because they are either not interested or they do not like what is being said.
While speaking daily in Corinth, Paul was being persecuted for what he was saying. God came to him in a vision and told him to not be afraid or silent and to keep speaking the truth.
At times when a person receives opposition to what he is saying, most people will stop talking. They do not want to take on or cause trouble with what they have to say. Fear arises, preventing them from speaking boldly what they know to be truth.
In America it is common for people to be shut down if they do not speak things that are politically correct. It does not matter if what being said is truth or not if it is not politically correct.
Jesus told all believers to preach the gospel message to all the world. This is a message that many in the world will take offense to and will rise up in opposition to it.
The believer must not fear the opposition, but continue to speak in love and confidence. If believers are silent, people will go to hell without the opportunity for salvation. Among believers, there should not be silence but a bold proclamation of God’s word.
You may be a person who likes to talk, or you may be one who does not like to talk. Regardless of which you are, as a believer you need to be willing to talk to people about Jesus. It is simple as just telling others what God has done for you.
Do not allow the intimidation and pressure to keep you from telling about Jesus. The world can only destroy your body, not your soul.
By speaking you are giving them an opportunity to know the salvation God offers. Do not deprive them of that opportunity by being silent.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that God will fill you with boldness to speak His word; that you will speak God’s truth each day; and that you will not fear the opposition against God’s word.