Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. -Acts 4:29, NIV
…Except of course, I don’t seem to be that outspoken. Sure; in words it’s perfect, it looks like it, but… that’s it. When I try saying what I need to say, everything goes wrong: either my point doesn’t come across well, or I don’t say it with confidence, or I can’t back it up! It’s a dangerous thought, speaking what’s on my mind; unfortunately, the world values boldness and aggressiveness, and I don’t seem to fit into neither category. My absent-mindedness (a trait I’ve carried for the rest of my life) isn’t helping much, either: I haven’t done everything in my power to at least mitigate it.
And look at me, calling for a majestic voice! Maybe I need to hit the gym a bit more. Or, you know, perhaps I desperately need to take that speech class. Or maybe I should take some fast-assertiveness tapes starring at $19.95 (plus shipping and handling!)
Or maybe I should ask…for…it. The early Christians did, and they weren’t ashamed. They needed to- their lives counted on it! Their numbers were growing, the threats were growing, and fear was surely taking its toll.
They needed. Some. Help. Divine help, at least. They needed a spirit that would let them speak when they wanted to, speak when they didn’t, speak when they were blazing through Hell…
They needed to speak, fast.