Daily Devotional for January 8, 2018
Speaking Up
“Happy birthday!” Anne said when she arrived at her friend Rennah’s birthday party. Anne was excited because her family had moved recently, and she had been praying for new friends. Now she had some.
But there was a problem at Rennah’s party. “Okay, you guys,” Rennah said when they were ready to play the first game. “Here’s what you do. Everybody has to draw a slip of paper from this basket. When it’s your turn, you have to do what it says.” She began to pass the basket, and each girl pulled out a piece of paper.
Anne eagerly looked at her slip of paper. Oh no! she thought. Doing this would be wrong, but if I don’t do it, everyone will laugh at me. Anne tried to think of a way out. Maybe I could trade with somebody—but then I’d be asking someone else to do it. What am I going to do? She silently asked Jesus to help her by showing her what she should do. Then she heard her name being called.
Anne took a deep breath. “I’m supposed to draw a picture of who I think is the ugliest boy at school and have you guess who it is, but I—I can’t do it.” The room became very quiet. “I’m a Christian, and I don’t like to look at people that way. I feel like I’d be treating someone God loves very badly if I did that. I’m sorry.”
After a moment, Rennah shrugged. “That’s okay. We’ll skip you. Jasmine, you’re next.”
The next day at school, Serena, one of the girls who had been at the party, came up to Anne. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said at the party,” Serena said. “I’m a Christian too, but I don’t usually let people know that because I’m afraid they’ll make fun of me. I probably would have just done what was on that slip of paper and then felt bad about it afterward.” She paused. “I’m glad you didn’t do that. You reminded me that I need to tell people I belong to Jesus.”
Anne was surprised. “Thanks, Serena.” She smiled. “Let’s work on telling people together!” – Bernard Palmer
How about you?
Are you afraid to let others know you’re a Christian? People might respond negatively, but you don’t need to be ashamed of Jesus. Remember everything He’s done for you, and find ways to let others know that you love and follow Him. Trust Him to help you speak up and share His love and truth with others so you can witness to unsaved friends and encourage other Christians.
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