Easter is such a beautiful holiday to celebrate. I love singing the joyful hymns on Christ's resurrection, and reading the resurrection story, even though I've read it many times. Doesn't the very thought of Jesus coming to die for sinners make us want to go out in the world and tell everybody? Or does it?
I have public speaking this semester, and I've been challenged to speak up for myself more than I thought I would. At the beginning of the class I learned that I would be doing a paper on a professional speaker, and I immediately thought "I'll do my paper on one of my pastor's sermons!" I picked the sermon out weeks ago, and I was so excited because it was a perfect sermon to write on! However, in class this past week, I discovered that not only would I be writing a paper on the sermon, I would have to speak about it in class! My immediate reaction was "OK, where can I go to hear another speaker?" I was shocked at my reaction. Instead of being glad that I had an opportunity to possibly share my faith a little bit, I was afraid of being rejected and looked at as a "religious nut". I felt so ashamed of myself. The Lord Jesus was rejected throughout His ministry; He was mocked and ridiculed at His death. Yet He never gave in to pressure or became bent-out-of-shape because of this. Why is it so hard for me to want to spread the Gospel after all Jesus has done for me? My foolish pride many times gets in the way. Friends, please pray that I would be more bold for Christ, and not afraid of what other people think. Pray that I will have the courage to stand up in class and speak about my paper, no matter how many weird stares I get.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
6 comments:
Ahh...I too am afraid that I have felt at times as you have just confessed. I guess it is just in our nature..as sinful humans. Which is why I am sooo thankful that Jesus did come to die for us.
I will pray for you, and I ask that you pray for me about the same thing. :-) I can't wait to see your tomorrow. Happy Easter my friend. He Lives!
Happy Easter Sara!
The world is so intimidating its hard not to just be a "closet" Christian, especially when we are in college and we have to think about our grades. I have to admit that I specifically do not put religious comments in my papers for school as much as possible, I have some sort of fear that I will fail a class if I am upfront about my Christianity with the professors. Not the best attitude for sure. Anyways, I will pray that you will not back down and be able to proudly speak before your class.
Blessings,
Oh, Sara, I didn't know about this when I saw you yesterday. (No wonder you played that song after the morning message.) This is such a wonderful opportunity for you, and yes, indeed, a perfect opportunity. Please let me know exactly when you'll be doing this so I can pray specially at that time.
Don't beat up on yourself too much. The important thing is that you ARE doing it. We've all been through reactions like yours at some time or other in our lives.
Sara, I had no idea THIS was what you had a speech on today. I am SO proud of you. So proud. I think if we are honest, most of us have this reaction. You've reminded me ... "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ ..." Can't wait to hear how it went.
I used that picture too!! I love it!! It is soo true!! God died for us so we could live!! :-)
Wow-- I didn't know this was coming up. Yes, I must confess to feeling the same way many, many times. I've appreciated my dad's recent messages on evangelism, specifically when he says that we do not need to be afraid. Being afraid of how people will react is something I have to work on.
But I am so proud of you for all that you are doing!
And by the way-- I really enjoyed your piano playing on Sunday morning, especially when you played The Old Rugged Cross.
Lots of love!
Beka
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