Listening to the Holy Spirit:
Defend. That which is worthy warrants defense. Do not fear the disagreement. In love and truth, invest the seed of time. Expect not the growth, for in My time it shall sprout; it’s a bloom for later years. Give reason for your hope. Speak of the many blessings, the time and place of My movement along your path. As you speak of My way, My way shall find its way, as the entry to the heart is of trust and tale. Speak of your rebirth, the intercessions, the unexplained except by My hand. These are the witnesses of the unseen; the reasons for further faith. I Am the help in times of need, the Fortress in times of trouble. In your story they find faith in Me. Trusting in your word, they shall receive My Word. Their hope is given in the seed of story. My Word tells many, so too your life. In your words you bring them to Me. Defend with witness, and My Word shall spread through the telling.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) – . . . but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, . . .
Ps 46:1 (ESV) – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Ps 66:16 (ESV) – Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
Taking It to Work:
Did you realize that the human race thrives on story telling? From grade-schoolers gathering for grandpa’s war stories, to the hundreds of streaming reels, shorts and stories online, to the over $150 billion that was spent last year in the film industry; we as a people love stories. Fact, fiction or fantasy, good stories are the universal attractant that help us connect to one another.
What is the connection of stories to living out our faith at work?
Well, many Christians, especially in the workplace, are very uncomfortable sharing anything about their faith. Many also have a difficult time defending why they believe what they believe, even though scripture says we should always be prepared to make that defense. But how?
Most believe they have to be a Bible scholar or a theologian of sorts to ever be good at defending their faith, but it is far simpler than that. You just have to be able to tell your favorite stories of God’s interventions in your life.
We all have our “Thank God” stories; times we think back upon when we know God stepped in to save the day. These are the stories, the memories, that keep our personal faith strong under adversity.
It is those same stories, unembellished so as to be received in trust, told with love and gentleness, that are powerful witnesses to anyone with whom you share them.
Many times it is our stories that pave the way for God and His Word to even be considered.
Look at how many stories there are of men and women in the Bible. God Himself is a storyteller. We should be too.
Those stories not only give glory to God, and “make real” a good reason for your faith, but they may open the heart of others in the process.
What stories can you tell? Get them ready, rehearse telling them if needed, and don’t forget to give glory to God, as you let His Word work through you, today.
