When my husband was a newborn, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. It had been so tightly wound that he came out blue. It was a frightening moment for everyone in the room, to say the least. But the staff moved expeditiously to unwrap the cord and slowly, but surely, my husband’s voice was heard and color returned to his body.

During a birthday celebration a few years ago, he had shared that story with everyone and expressed gratitude for his life and for the voice God gave him to use for His purpose. What a testimony of God’s wonder-working power! 

It’s funny though. There have been a few times in our marriage when I wasn’t feeling grateful as my husband spoke. You see, he’s the kind of guy who literally says it as he sees it. It makes me cringe as I tend to be overly cautious with my words because I’m worried about what people will think.

Here’s the thing though. My husband speaks with boldness and authority from the Holy Spirit. He has had the courage to speak to others in love about what the Lord has impressed upon his heart. It’s obvious that when he does, it comes from a genuine connection to our Father. Such has truly inspired me because I realized how I cower in fear and avoid saying the hard things at times.

In the Gospels, we learn about the disciples’ journey. First, they left their families and vocations to follow Jesus. The disciples heard His teachings and saw His miracles first-hand. They witnessed Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and death. After His resurrection, He appeared to them and told them that He was going to ascend to heaven. However, Jesus assured the disciples that they would not be alone because He was going to send the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions they must have experienced in this journey, not to mention the comments they must have heard from all those who did not believe in Jesus?

In Acts 2:1-12, we read how the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. Crowds had gathered because they heard the disciples and the others in the Upper Room speaking many different languages. As many were amazed, yet perplexed, verse 13 indicates how some people made fun of them and stated, “They have had too much wine.”

As a disciple, one may have felt hesitant to speak up and explain what was going on. As it was, they were viewed as different. Even if what was happening was misunderstood, it required courage to tell the truth.

In verses 14-41, we read how Peter stepped up to the plate. He did not hesitate to address the crowd.  Peter began by clarifying that they were not drunk. He knew his audience and explained that the prophecy spoken by Joel had just been fulfilled. Then, Peter provided reasoning that Jesus is the Messiah. “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart”. They asked what they should do and he told them to repent. Because of Peter’s boldness to speak that day,  many “accepted his message, were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number ”.

Acts 4:13 (ESV) says it best: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter … they were astonished. And they recognized that (he) had been with Jesus.” Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) reminds us to “… speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the Church.”

May this be the prayer of our hearts today: Lord, help me not to be afraid or remain silent when You are prompting me to use my voice. Help me to speak the truth in love with courage and confidence as You lead. May it be evident that I have been with You. Amen.
~Joyce