Can’t Just Keep Quiet

Well, now, come on in here, friend. Look at you wanderin’ up this way like a bright‑eyed chipmunk that just caught the scent of fresh cornbread coolin’ on the windowsill. Step on through this gate and settle yourself right here in this rocker on this here front porch because what we’re about to talk about is stronger than an upset bull that went and stepped on a yellowjacket nest and sweeter than peach preserves slathered on a hot, buttered biscuit. Yep, I was watchin’ a squirrel earlier this mornin’, sittin’ high on a fence rail, flappin’ his paws like he was preachin’ revival sermon of some importance to a bunch of bewildered chicken hens. And right then I got to thinkin’, “Mercy me, if that there jittery little ol’ critter can be speakin’ up with that much boldness, surely God’s people can be doin’ that, too.” That thought plum settled right on into my heart like the hush that gits to driftin’ across a pasture at sundown. It plum reminded me of Acts 4:20, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

The religious leaders in Acts 4 had themselves in a real pickle. Peter and John were preachin’ Jesus, healin’ folks, and stirrin’ up more excitement than a goat loose in a feed store. So, them religious leaders arrested ‘em and commanded ‘em not to be speakin’ or teachin’ in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18). But Peter and John stood their ground. They said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge” (Acts 4:19). Then they added, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

Those leaders thought Peter and John were uneducated nobodies yet Acts 4:13 says they were amazed because they recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. That right there is the secret. Being with Jesus turns timid folks into bold witnesses.

And, friend, the early church didn’t do any shrinkin’ back either. They prayed, “Grant that Your bond servants may speak Your word with all confidence” (Acts 4:29). And God answered. The place shook, the Spirit filled ‘em up, and they spoke the word of God with boldness Acts 4:31.

Father, thank You for the courage You give. Help me speak Your truth with confidence. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can stand strong in every situation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Well, now then, friend, let me set this here last real truth beside you the way a steady old tortoise settles into a warm patch of sunshine, plum slow but full of purpose. Boldness just ain’t about talent or polish. It’s about bein’ with Jesus until His courage seeps right on into your bones. It’s about speakin’ His name even when the world is hopin’ you will just hush your mouth. So, lift up your head, steady your heart, and remember that the same Spirit who filled Peter and John is ready to fill up you, too. And, friend, when He does that, you will be standin’ real tall and speakin’ boldly about all He has done for you.

With joy,

Gwen