"God Bless You." Three very simple words--words which I wholeheartedly claim as a Christian. Yet, these three words seem to fill my mouth with dust and weigh my tongue; three small words which I fear giving to friends and strangers. A small sentence of blessing and testimony which make my heart tremble and my knees to shake. Me, a born-again, hymn singing, headcovering daughter of the most High King afraid to say "God bless you?" Yet the long-lost carnival worker, the stranger in the food line and the straggly man walking into Aldies seem to have no struggle speaking the important words. People you wouldn't expect to even know the name of Jesus bless me . . . while I shirk my duty, nay privilege, of claiming the name of Christ in fear embarrassment.
Hmm . . . I think there is a problem. Is it possible that I fear man more than God? Can it be that I am ashamed of the Lamb of God, the one who became my sin for my freedom?
"Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Mark 8:38
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
II Corinthians 6: 17,18
Thank you Lord, for the way-ward carnival worker, for the stranger in the food line and for the bedraggled man at Aldies . . . thank you for their testimony that they shared with me. Father, I do confess that I have been afraid of speaking your name. Lord, I fear man. Father, please forgive me for fearing man and for being ashamed of Your name. Please fill me with your boldness that I may speak the name of Christ so that You will not be ashamed of me. Create in me a love for the unlovely people out and about this world--and give me the grace to bless them so that they may see you. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
Take care sweet friends as you serve the LORD this coming week. May God help us to remember "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
With lots of love from your sister in Christ,
Frannie
*Photo Credit: This lovely painting was taken from this link.
What a beautiful prayer, Frannie! Amen.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love and Many Blessings my dear friend!
Sonja
I know just what you mean, Frannie. I too sometimes have a little trouble witnessing to people. I suppose it is fear of rejection, but of course that really isn't a very good excuse.
ReplyDeleteI do wish we lived closer together. I think we could be very good friends. I do hope you will have a very nice week. Let us see some of the progress you are all making on your new home! Have you been spending any time at your sewing machine lately? :)
Lovely, Frannie!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you.