God himself will tell you what to say

Paul stood up in front of the city council and said ‘I see that in every way you Athenians are very religious. For as I walked through your city and looked at the places where you worship I found an altar on which is written, ‘To an Unknown God.’ That which you worship, then, even though you do not know it, is what I now proclaim to you.’ (verses 22,23)

Read Acts 17:16-34

Knowing what to say when someone asks you about your faith isn’t always easy. You may find it even more difficult to talk about Jesus when you are among people who show no interest in him at all. When is the right moment to speak, and what do you say to them?

Scripture is clear that your Saviour wants you to witness for him. It’s his way of getting the message out to others, and your witness may determine their future. But remember, you are never alone. God is with you. He will be in your mouth and tell you what to say (Matthew 10:19,20).

Paul was not alone in the city of Athens. God gave him the right words to speak so that he might touch these people at the very point where they were receptive. And so he told them about the true God, the God who has become known to us through Jesus.

Lord Jesus, help me to take your saving message to others who don’t know you yet, and tell me what to say. Amen.

by Len Tscharke, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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