After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22
According to Webster’s dictionary, to “proclaim” means “to declare publicly through speech or in writing.” Peter and John healed a crippled man outside the temple and the people were astonished and amazed. Peter’s response to the onlookers was: Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we made this man walk? (Acts 3) Peter boldly proclaimed that it was Jesus who healed the man. Many of us have witnessed the Lord heal people both physically and spiritually but have hesitated to share it with others for fear that they wouldn’t believe or understand. Recently, I had several people pray for my foot that had not healed completely after a severe injury.
Although the accident happened many months ago, I was still experiencing pain. After they prayed, my foot was significantly better and has continued to progress. Immediately, I shared this with people who I knew were believers, but I hesitated to share it with those who perhaps wouldn’t believe me. After my friends prayed with me, the Lord overcame my hesitation. He gave me a boldness to tell people I didn’t even know and proclaim Him as the rightful Healer.
Are you afraid to tell others what God has done in your life? Why is it so easy to fear what people think of us? Fear keeps us from sharing our “God” stories – sharing those things that the Lord has done in our lives.
Years ago, I saw a friend from childhood who told me that she heard I had become “religious.” I tried to act as unspiritual as I could so that she would think differently of me. I did not like her label. It didn’t take long for the Lord to convict me, and I realized I simply need to be an authentic Christian.
I have become a better witness for Christ as I have sought to be myself – throwing off all labels and simply living my life for Him. It is freeing to know that I don’t have to convince anyone that Jesus is my Lord; they will see He is my Lord. Actions speak far more than words.
Are you willing to let your life be an open book for others, sharing the good news with your actions, only using words when necessary?
Heavenly Father,
Help me to be a witness for You in thought and deed. Let my words reflect my heart, and may my heart be filled with love for You and for others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
