A Time to Keep Silent and a Time to SpeakMfano

Don't be fearful to spread the Gospel “And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you...’” (Acts 18:9-10) Paul is a well-known apostle. He spread the Gospel wherever he went and traveled around the known world for that purpose. And yet it was not always easy for him to speak freely! Looking back, he wrote to the church in Corinth, “I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” (1 Corinthians 2:3) This is recognizable to many. It is scary to share our faith. We may be ashamed, or we may be afraid to force our beliefs on others. For these reasons it may be that we'd rather keep our mouths shut. But Paul went ahead anyway despite his own weakness and leaning on God's strength. In that situation, the Lord appeared in a vision at night with the encouraging words, “Go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you." The same words were also spoken to the disciples when they were sent out to spread the Gospel throughout the world: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) That promise is still in effect today. When we share God's Word, may we do so in His power. Do you dare to open your mouth among non-Christians and share your faith with them? When you do, what responses do you get?