When I think of going into new environments - like a new job or school course - I can get tense. I fear having to start again with my testimony, with my declaration of faith in Jesus. So, for example, right now where I work and live, people around me are clear about my faith in Christ. The true me - and my testimony - is generally known. There are still day-to-day challenges in my faith, and in situations where I need the Lord for courage to be bold and speak his name, but generally in my circles people know what I stand for, there is a well-trodden path before and behind me. But when I think about getting a new job, or going to a conference or a new setting and group of people, I find myself getting tense about that 'ground level', unpaved path of testifying. I had a very simple, powerful thought today when thinking on this. As I 'remembered' this truth, a wave of relief and strength came over me: In my testimony and testifying, I walk 'with' Jesus, I don't walk 'for' Jesus. I don't go into situations having to start testifying about Jesus, like a bricklayer starts laying bricks. It is not a work that I do 'for' Christ, brick by brick. It is a work in which I partner with Christ. I have nothing to fear. Christ goes before me. He made all people in his image, and for himself. (Gen 1:27; Acts 17:27) I can go into any and every situation - new or familiar - and simply listen for the Lord's leading. This is what Jesus did, and how he knew what to say and do. He didn't just go into situations with a big project and a big mission, but rather he listened for the lead of the Father. (John 5:19) Sometimes the Father prompted and led Jesus to heal only one in the midst of many. (John 5:1-8) Sometimes the Father led Jesus to heal everyone in his sphere! (Mt 15:30) Sometimes Jesus commissioned people to 'speak' his name and message. (Mk 5:19) And at other key moments Jesus admonished people to not tell of his identity. (Mt 16:20) We're not alone in sharing Jesus. We're never alone! In fact, we're not allowed to go it alone! Just listen for the Father's lead. (John 5:19) Stay in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25) Stay connected to the vine, because... 'apart from Christ you can do nothing!' (John 15:5) '‘Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.' (John 5:19)
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AuthorPeter Walker. Archives
March 2022
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