Without a Script

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:10-12; Ephesians 6:18-20

As the curtain dropped at the end of her school play, Hazel’s dad and brother made their way backstage. “You remembered every line perfectly,” Dad said, giving her a hug.

Hazel smiled. “Before the curtain rose at the beginning, I was so scared! I didn’t see how I was going to get through it without my script in front of me. But when I had to start talking, the words just came back.”

“What’s a script?” asked Hazel’s little brother, Tommy.

“It’s a copy of the play,” said Hazel. “On my copy, I marked the words I had to say.” She smiled at a girl walking by. “Good job, Mia!”

“Thanks,” murmured Mia. “You did good too, Hazel.”

As Hazel and her family drove home, Hazel spoke. “Remember Mia? She seems really unhappy lately. I feel like I should talk to her about it, but I’m afraid I might say the wrong thing.” She looked at the script she held in her hand. “I wish there were a script for that sort of thing.”

“Well, you’re in good company,” Dad said. “I think the apostle Paul was sometimes a bit concerned about saying the wrong thing too.”

“No way!” said Hazel. “Paul was one of the greatest preachers ever!”

“But he was human—just like you. And he had a big responsibility too—helping people understand how much God loves them and what Jesus did to save them. Do you know what he did about it?”

“Maybe he prayed,” suggested Tommy.

“Yes, he did,” answered Dad. “And he also asked his Christian friends to pray that God would put the right words into his mouth.”

“Sort of how the right words to the play popped into my head tonight?”

“Sort of,” said Dad. “Only the words he spoke came from God, not from a script. You may not know the right thing to say to Mia, but God knows exactly what you need to say—and what Mia needs to hear. Pray about it, and if you believe God wants you to talk with her, go for it, trusting Him to help you. I’ll pray for you too.”

–Heather Tekavec

How About You?

Does the idea of talking to others about Jesus scare you? Do you worry you might say the wrong thing or not be able to think of anything to say at all? Ask God to help you speak the right words at the right time—just like He helped Paul and Moses (see today’s Bible reading.) Trust God to give you the words you need when you need them.

Today’s Key Verse:
Exodus 4:12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Let God help you speak