Courage to Speak

Bible Reading: Acts 5:17-18, 26-29

Mom was putting a pizza in the oven when Sienna got home. “How was school?” Mom asked.

“Okay,” Sienna said, “except we have to do an oral book report in two weeks, and it’s scary standing up in front of the class.”

“You can practice on me,” Mom offered. “What book are you reading?”

“Pilgrim’s Progress,” Sienna replied. “The version I’m reading is shorter than the original and uses modern language.”

“Good choice,” said Mom. “John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, was an interesting person. He was a preacher in England in the 1600s. At that time, preaching was only allowed in church, but he believed everyone should hear the gospel. He preached wherever he had an audience, even though he was arrested several times.”

Sienna bit into an apple. “Was he ever sent to jail?”

“Oh, yes!” Mom replied. “And do you know what he did then?”

“No, what did he do?”

“He preached inside the jail,” said Mom. “That frustrated the jailers. They even offered to let him go if he would promise not to preach anymore, but of course he couldn’t do that. He said, ‘God called me to preach, and preach I must.’”

“He must have been brave!” said Sienna.

“Yes, he was,” Mom replied. “But his courage came from God. He knew God had called him to preach the gospel and trusted Him to make it happen, even in difficult circumstances. His enemies kept him in jail for about twelve years. During that time, he wrote many books, including Pilgrim’s Progress, which is still being read by people today. John Bunyan preached to more people through his books than he did in person.”

“Wow!” said Sienna. “I can tell the kids that he believed in Jesus and urged other people to believe too, so in a way he’ll be preaching again, won’t he?”

Mom nodded. “And in a way, you’ll be preaching too.”

“I will?” Sienna asked doubtfully.

“Yes,” said Mom. “By using a book report to explain what John Bunyan preached, you’ll be sharing what he believed about Jesus and what He’s done for us.”

Grace smiled. “And just like He did with John Bunyan, God will give me the courage to do it.” -Jan L. Hansen

How About You?

What are some ways you can share the good news of Jesus? An obvious way, of course, is to simply tell others about Him. Perhaps you, like Grace, could also tell someone about a Christian book you’ve read or let them hear a worship song you like. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to speak up about your faith in Jesus. Trust Him to give you courage to tell others about Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Acts 5:42 Day after day…[the apostles] never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Speak up for Jesus