Boldly Testify
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11
Paul is a hero of mine. God required a lot of him as a missionary - I think because Paul had hated the disciples and participated in martyring Stephen before his conversion. Paul was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee. He held a prominent place in Jewish society. God wanted to use that to build His kingdom. He knew that Paul would be able to reach people that others would not. I admire Paul’s fortitude and faith.
In Acts 23:11, God is asking Paul to boldly speak about Him. Paul is on trial being accused of defiling the temple by bringing “unclean” Gentiles in - an accusation that came about because of a misunderstanding. Paul was actually trying to show his loyalty by taking Jewish vows. God uses everything for His good, though, and this opportunity was no exception. Paul was going to defend himself in front of very prominent people, and God expected him to share his testimony boldly.
I am reminded to boldly share my faith with my children, my family, my friends, and my clients. My testimony will touch a certain group of people in a way that no other person’s testimony will just as Paul’s did. And just as Paul’s testimony had and still has an impact on the kingdom in a very special way (even ways that we don’t understand or know about) my testimony will build God’s kingdom in a unique way. God made me unique just for that reason.
Obedience can come at a price, though. God requires me to share my testimony, like Paul, no matter where I am. He will ask me to testify especially when there is a great opportunity for kingdom building. Sometimes those opportunities are risky for me as a citizen of this world. However, God promises to be with me every step of the way. “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 He will guide me in the moments that I boldly share my testimony, especially during those risky moments.
What does this mean to my homeschool? I am the primary teacher in our home, and as such I am called to model Paul’s obedience, faith, and fortitude for my children. The Lord spoke to Paul and encouraged him, and that is also my role. I encourage and stand by my children when they are taking risks - any risks. Afterall, my relationship with my children is a model for their future relationship with God, our father. If they can take steps of faith and take risks - following my model - with my gentle encouragement, I can help them to learn to take leaps of faith for God - following Paul’s model - with the Lord’s gentle encouragement.
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