“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” Luke 1:13

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
God was unfolding His plan before Zechariah. When he was “gripped with fear,” the angel’s message was, “Do not be afraid. This is the answer to your prayers.”

THE JOURNEY—DAY 5
Bill could not believe he had frozen when Chuck told him he didn’t go to church. What if Chuck needed Jesus for Christmas? Why didn’t he say anything? He thought about his boastfulness: “I know what I know and what I know, I apply!” Now it seemed like simple arrogance. All he could muster was “Oh.” How profound was that!?

Why had he been afraid to witness when the opportunity presented itself? Earlier in the week he had wondered if he knew anybody who needed Jesus for Christmas. God had answered and shown him Chuck. Yet, being gripped with fear, Bill was sure he had wasted the chance.

“How can I fulfill my mission for Jesus if all I can say is, ‘Oh?’ Why am I afraid in my witness? Why did I fail in my mission?” As he reflected, he began to realize his focus had been on “my mission,” not “Christ’s mission.” He was concerned about how his witness would reflect on him, rather than reflecting Christ. “If it’s Jesus’ mission, then why am I afraid?” Chuck mused, “Jesus will give me power.” Still, what would he do now?


REALITY JOURNEY
How do you respond when God gives you opportunity for verbal witness? Do you feel like you have failed God in missed opportunities? Ask and receive His forgiveness in Christ. Do not be afraid. Speak what the Lord places on your lips when witness opportunities arise. It is His mission.

PRAYER FOCUS
Ask the Lord to give you a greater understanding of His mission, to give you boldness in your verbal witness, and to give you the words to speak about Him.

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 47-48    1 John 3

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