Love to hear from and know who is listening
For the most part I never have a problem voicing my opinion. Matter of fact I am pretty confident in my abilities. I have a sign over my dresser that says, “I am not a control freak, but I could tell you how to do that right!” However, when it comes to sharing about my faith it seems I have a shortage of words and lack of confidence. Why is it that I can be so confident about so many things except the one thing that is most important, telling the lost about how Jesus died for their sins and how they can have eternal life in heaven. I am confident that I am not the first person that lacks confidence when it comes to sharing my faith with the lost. Even Moses in the old testament told God he had trouble speaking.
Exodus 4: 10 ESV But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”
Stuttering may have been a problem for Moses, although it is unknown what speech difficulty the prophet had. Some scholars take Moses’ words as simply an excuse to avoid carrying out God’s instructions, but it is possible that Moses did have some type of speech impediment. It may have been a stutter, although there’s no way to know for sure. It could be that Moses lacked confidence due to what he considered a lack of proficiency in formal speaking. Why is it that we don't have enough faith to trust the one who made our mouth to give us the words we need to say? God used only his words and spoke into existence absolutely everything in creation. Despite Moses’ stuttering, if that’s what it was, God used Moses in great ways, showing that He is sovereign over everything, including speech difficulties.
Exodus 4: 11-12 ESV Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”
Even though you can be confident that God will give you the words you need to speak to the lost that does not mean you will not be faced with tribulation and difficulties. In Matthew chapter 10 Jesus warns his disciples that they will face persecution and opposition as they carry out their mission.
Matthew 10: 18-20 ESV and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
These verses speak to the challenges and trials that Christians may face as they seek to live out their faith and spread the message of the gospel. These verses tell us that you will face persecution and the living out the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder that following Jesus will not always be easy, and will require great courage, faith, and perseverance. How do you gain confidence that God will use your mouth? First remember that God keeps all his promises, next know that God is on your side. God didn't create us and redeem us without giving us the ability to carry out His will. God promises that the Holy Spirit lives within us and will be our advocate. Finally, be patient and avoid judging yourself too harshly. Understand that you'll make mistakes. You are only human. As believers, we are called to take up our cross and follow Jesus, even in the face of opposition and adversity and trust the one who made your mouth and He will give you the words you need to say.
