Do you talk about God?

Do you find it difficult to talk about your faith where you live, work, or even in your family? Would you be more likely to do it if your environment made it easier?

If so, I want to encourage you today to speak up anyway, to still be thankful for what you have been given by God: the gift of eternity. To realize that only He can give a truly fulfilling life! (See Psalm 16:1-11 NIV)

Here’s a biblical example of what God wants us to do: "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.’ “ (Acts 18:9 NIV)

You know, life in Corinth, the city to which Paul had been sent by God, was no bed of roses. I'm sure you've read verses from Corinthians before, but are you aware that Corinth was a port city where many people, even from far away, traveled in and out? As described in Corinthians, the city was a transportation hub with many arrivals and departures.

So it was a place for people who were eager to seek entertainment during their visit, and you surely know what that means. People who were far from home, with no social media, so there was no risk that anything they did would ever get out to the public.

Corinth was not the place where you would have wanted to speak of God voluntarily, because they didn't want to hear you there. But for that very reason, because there was so much sin in that place, because people wanted to forget their troubles with alcohol, prostitution, and more, God sent Paul among them.

To repeat, He sent him there with these words, "...Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.“ (Acts 18:9 NIV)

You too may take these words personally. God needs you where you are. Don't hide what you believe!

What if you just stood up confidently today and went into your day with that truth, smiling at the people around you even though they might laugh at you because of your faith?

Believe me, if you keep smiling, eventually they will doubt themselves, and not you.

You are a miracle!

Déborah