My high school experience was vastly different from the average adolescent. It wasn’t filled with exceptionalism or much experimentation, but it was four years of going to the same school where my father taught. I remember one day, as a senior, after almost four years of being the kid that never got into trouble, I decided it was time to rebel. I attempted to skip the last period, only to receive a call from my father who spotted me walking to my car from his classroom window.
Students who knew of my dad or knew him as a teacher were quick to call him strict. And when they discovered that the school’s scary drill sergeant was also my father, they were surprised to hear that what they knew of him and what I knew to be true of him were vastly different. I spent a lot of time ashamed of being my father’s daughter. A shame that stood on what others believed to be true of him.
In 2 Timothy 1, Paul sees the timidity that Timothy struggles with and the fear that he possesses regarding the call of God on his life. Paul encourages Timothy that boldness is a gift from the Lord and that when he chooses to put on courage, he will be moved to put off shame (2Timothy 1:8).
It’s easy to forget. At the time this letter was written, following a crucified Master wasn’t easy. It wasn’t something one would specifically find pride in doing. Jesus spent His time on earth teaching principles that contradicted the ways of the world and then died a brutal death. For those who did not understand the good news of the resurrection, the testimony of Christ was one steeped in shame. We, too, can find ourselves placing the good news under a cloak. Both afraid and embarrassed to share about the Jesus we’ve known to be true because we’re more concerned with how others will receive our testimony based on what they know of Jesus.
But the truth is that when we step into the gift of courage in Christ, we shed shame. When we recall what God has proven to be true, the remnants of shame that attempt to attach themselves to the good news of the gospel we are called to share are removed (v.11).
When we find ourselves shrinking back from proclaiming the good news of Christ, what we know to be true of Jesus can be the backbone of our courage.
Shame cannot exist in the context of true intimacy. As we pursue Him and allow the Holy Spirit to make deposits into us, we are moved from shame to honor. No longer burdened with embarrassment as we tell others of Jesus, but brought into a place of joy and delight regarding the testimony of our King.
What an amazing idea Maria! I love it! I might have to piggy back on that myself. It’s beautiful that you’ve found a way to share your faith that works for you and how you’re built. Just lovely.
Oh Tina, thank you for sharing. I am not a ‘shout it from the rooftops’ kinda gal either. But it delights me to share all the ways God has shown up and shone out in my life. And when people come to me to ask about my husband now, it is just another opportunity to share with them all that God is doing in our lives through this seemingly “awful” journey we are traveling. Dare I say “Steve’s brain cancer has been a blessing”? YES! Our God is moving in many ways and because of HIM it is a blessing! Oh sisters, we are going to a graduation today and a wedding tomorrow…more opportunities to share what God is doing in our lives! Have a blessed weekend dear sisters. ❤️
Hey @searching that Hawaiian translation really spoke to me! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Tina,, this is beautiful. Precious Lord Jesus!❤️
Today’s Scriptures and devotional speaks to me so much, as I’ve been praying for clarity about how to be more of use to God— to use me as an instrument to share the gospel. TINA, like you, I’m not a shout it from the rooftops” kind of woman. I’m an introvert for sure. So I started doing what I call my “Encouragement card ministry.” I had these business cards printed with John 14:6 in bold letters— “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” and place them all over the place. I especially like to place them in store areas where you will probably find someone who need encouragement: pharmacy isles (for the sick), baby isles where diapers and baby food are (for exhausted moms), etc. But I’ve been think about reprinting them with an email address (created specially for this) for those who may want to reach out and want to hear more about Jesus. Something has been holding me back in this step, but I believe today’s devotional has given me that gentle push I needed. Have a wonderful day, sisters.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14.
Have a blessed weekend everyone <3
Yes. They no longer highlight. Lots of glitches lately.
❤️