Boldness

The room was filled for a clinicopathological conference. The medical students had just begun their second year and were learning about lung cancer. The lead teacher was a pulmonologist, whom the students loved for his teaching abilities.

As he introduced the conference to the 200 students present, he spoke first of their next standardized exam and how he planned to help them prepare, saying, “If the Big Boss allows, I will have these study aids ready for you.” And then he added, “By the Big Boss, I mean Jesus Christ.”

I was amazed at his bold witness in this academic setting and further amazed when applause erupted in the room—whether for Jesus or for his courage in mentioning Him, I could not tell.

O God, where is my boldness?

My own life of witness for Christ feels like someone has strapped my body with wrapping tape. I seek to cry out the name of Jesus, but there is this plastic wrap holding it in.

And yet, there is a subtle question underlying my frustration. Is my reticence to boldly speak the name of Christ a sin or part of God’s plan? I assume the former but also realize that God may be working out His will with some of my vocal insecurity.

Perhaps He wants different notes on His piano, different instruments in His symphony, some loud and bold like trumpets, with others soft and melodious like violins, to touch the hearts of different listeners.

I doubt I will understand it well in this world. Clearly, my job is to bear witness to the One who has saved me. Therefore I am determined to cut the straps that bind and grow ever bolder when His Spirit guides me to speak. Through His power and grace, I will let Him make of me, and make of my witness, what He will, within my human, imperfect frame, for His glory.

Prayer: Dear Father, Fill me with your boldness and act through me with your power. Amen