Thursday, September 17, 2015

When You Don't Feel Eloquent Enough

Hey Friend,


I was talking candidly with a friend of mine who is not a believer.  We had been discussing a lot of topics and then in a winding road sort of way we wound up on the topic of God.  I could sense it...I knew where this conversation was headed...to the dreaded "all roads/religions can lead to God". I felt my heart quicken because I knew I would need to say something.  But what if the something that came spilling out of my mouth wasn't eloquent enough?  In mere seconds I could become a star witness for Christ or I could be a dismal failure. 


My gut instinct was to immediately start talking.  After all, I am passionate about Christ, but this time I did something different.  I silently prayed, "Lord, give me the right words."  Then, I paused and took a deep breath, and thought for a second, and then slowly I began to speak.  I honestly can't remember exactly what I said, but I felt the power of the Holy Spirit bring to mind specific scriptures and very basic Biblical truth.


Luke 10:27 sprang to mind: 


"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself."


We talked about how these were good principles to live by.  We talked about how killing in God's name does not follow these principles.  She agreed that whoever said this would be a good person to emulate.


The doorway was opened for me to share that this is what Jesus said to his disciples when they asked what one must do in order to inherit eternal life.  We both could agree that Jesus was a pretty smart man. 


I resisted the urge to launch into a theological debate about how Christianity is the only "grace" based religion.  That in every other religion you have to earn or work toward your salvation...you have to be good enough.


Instead, I simply shared that I believe what's written in the Bible to be true.  And, in the Bible, Jesus says:


"I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14:6)



After I shared that scripture, I did something really profound...I stopped talking.  I just let it rest.  I let Jesus have the last word.


The Holy Spirit had also reminded me of the importance to not just read, but to KNOW scripture.  I'm a work in progress.


As a writer and blogger, so many times I compare my words and how I say things to how others write and express truth.  I know some writers whose words, frankly, leave me breathless.  I read what they say and can only say, "Wow!"  It's easy for me to get down on myself because I don't write about God's Word and the power of Jesus as eloquently or as profoundly as they do, so why even bother? 


God, being the awesome God that He is gave me another nugget of wisdom after He showed me how powerful HIS WORD can be if I pause and pray before I speak.  This next nugget of wisdom came as I have been reading Paul's letters to the different churches.


I started with Romans, and part way into 1 Corinthians 1, I read in Chapter 2 these enlightening words from Paul (The guy who not that long before, was killing Christians for sport and is now writing letters that would shape the world's faith for centuries to come).


Paul to the church in Corinth:


When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.


Whoa!!


Paul's point is that unless the Holy Spirit works in a listener's heart, the wisdom and eloquence of a preacher (or writer) are ineffective. It was humbling to read that Paul, the author of much of the inspired Word, experienced weakness, fear, and trembling when it came to proclaiming the Good News.  Paul turns the whole idea of "our" eloquence on its head...in fact...


If we resolve to make Christ, His life, and His teaching the sole subject of our words...then...the Holy Spirit can work in the hearts of our listeners. The Holy Spirit, not our words, does the convincing. Then, God is glorified...not us.


I don't know about you, but to me, that was a huge relief to know that someone else's coming to faith or growing in faith is not dependent upon my intellectual or oratorical ability.  It doesn't depend on how beautifully my words flow onto the paper.  It is really about sharing Christ (THE Word) and His words and then let the result be marked by the convincing demonstration of power by the Holy Spirit.


Yes, God can even use me!


I am truly learning that often, the less said the better.  I'm choosing more carefully the words I speak.  I am learning to pause and pray before opening my mouth or unleashing my fingers on the laptop keyboard.


I have also learned that people can argue theology until the cows come home, but they can't argue with my personal testimony of my personal relationship with Jesus and the hope I have within me, because of Him.


Basic, Simple, Truth, Less....it was good enough for Paul.  Certainly, it's good enough for me.


Be blessed...


Dear Heavenly Father,  I praise you because I am "fearfully and wonderfully made".  Your Word tells me that.  Help me to know that my words, whether spoken or written, do not have to be perfect or eloquent in order for the Holy Spirit to use them to work in someone else's life.  Help me to speak/write, just as I am, and trust the convincing work to you.  Let my focus be less on my words and thoughts and more on Jesus' life and teaching.  Help me to remember that there truly is power in your Word and it doesn't return void.  Encourage me to speak naturally of the joy that is within me because of the wonderful things you have done for me.  In Jesus' loving name I pray, Amen.




ps.  Just a reminder that I pray for all who read this blog in the morning and in the evening.  If there is something I can pray more specifically for you, don't hesitate to contact me...


Please check out "Missions" for updates on how we're doing getting sponsors for our precious children at Redeemer Christian School.  God is good...






30 comments:

  1. Bev, I find myself falling into the comparison trap as
    well. And, I love the way you took a breath and prayed before opening your mouth. SO often I am caught with a hard question and no words. Praying for wisdom from God, and His peace to fill my mind and thoughts during those times. Thanks for sharing your experience as an encouragement to me!

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    1. Michele,
      Oh the ugly comparison trap...I don't know a single writer who hasn't fallen prey to it. Paul really taught me a lesson here...so glad that it resonated with you also! Be encouraged!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  2. Bev. This is very humbling. Not only do we need to pray for the words that God wants us to write but also for those that will read it. Glad I found your link at #TuesTalk.

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    1. Bonnie,
      You are so right...the Holy Spirit works on the writing/speaking end and He also works on the receiving end. In the long run, we are simply to be the messenger. So glad you came by...know you are always welcome!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  3. Thank you for a wonderful reminder that we need to stop and ask God for the words we need to say before we say anything.
    This article is really touched me and made me think. I love reading your blog you are so insightful. Thanks

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    1. Kathy,
      Sometimes I think I need a giant STOP sign in front of my face to get me to pause and pray before I attempt to speak. Thank you so much for your encouraging words...they are a blessing to me!
      Blessings to you this day,
      Bev

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  4. Bev, I needed this reminder today. Often, I fool myself into thinking I have to say just the right words but you remind me here it is the power of the Spirit in me. Nothing I can say or do will make a person know God. Only the Spirit in me drawing that person to Christ. Such an important post, my friend. Thank you!

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    1. Abby,
      Writers...sheesh...we get all caught up in our heads and focus on how and what WE want to say. I am learning more to let the Holy Spirit do the leading. I think you do this beautifully! So glad this resonated with you as well...
      Blessings friend,
      Bev xx

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  5. Bev, I love this post! You have such a gift of writing in an open, honest, transparent way. I felt like I was right there with you and your friend listening. I especially like your closing prayer, it expresses my heart too! Many blessings to you!

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    1. Beth,
      If you were right there with me, then certainly you felt the panic that I was experiencing. I'm still a work in progress - learning to let the Holy Spirit lead. Thank you for your uplifting words today...they bless me!
      Love and blessings to you too,
      Bev

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  6. I am working on that same thing in my life, Bev. I tend to want to load the person down with Scripture, believing that it is sharper than a two-edged sword and will really cut through my conversation clutter. But sometimes I overwhelm people. I'm impatient to see them grab hold of the truth and pressure them rather than letting the Holy Spirit slowly soften their hearts. So I can totally relate and appreciate and admire your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit doing the job, rather than putting all of that weight on your own shoulders. Great thoughts, my friend and thanks for stopping by Messy Marriage! It's nice to meet ya!

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    1. Oh Beth,
      I have been the scripture bulldozer...plowing over those in my path with the Word...somehow thinking more is always better. My children jokingly call me "Bible Lady" (lovingly of course lol). We need the Word, and we need the Holy Spirit in order for convincing to happen. Getting just the right dose of the Word can be our challenge. God will guide us if we trust Him. Love your blog name :)
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  7. Bev-

    Speaking of the Holy Spirit!! Just yesterday a new co-worker pointedly steered the conversation this way. From His view, He is a practicing Catholic but questioning and has lots of mixed beliefs on things. He asked my opinion. Unfortunately (I feel guilty), our time talking was almost up and I said that I wasn't very good at sharing my opinions on the spot because I'm not well-spoken. I can see and trust that other opportunities will come up and the Lord will give me the words and wisdom, but wow did your post apply and enCOURAGE me today. : ) Thank you!!! #DanceWithJesus

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  8. Bethany,
    I'm sure God will give you another opportunity...He's pretty generous that way! Another thing I've learned is that it's not a crime to say, "Wait, let me think a moment," which gives you time to call upon the Holy Spirit and see what He brings to mind. Also, if I just plain don't know an answer or am unsure, It's okay to say, "I don't know, but I know someone who does...let me get back to you on that." No crime there either. Glad that the HS and I could encourage you today :) You're not alone...been there!
    Blessings,
    Bev

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  9. Beautiful reminder that we don't have to have the right words. When we stop to pray and let God speak through us, He'll provide the words that need to be heard. Love how you were able to have this wonderful conversation.

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    1. Kathryn,
      So true...the lesson I learned from this encounter was: stay calm; don't panic...instead, PRAY! I felt honored and humbled to be used by the Holy Spirit!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  10. I love these words "It doesn't depend on how beautifully my words flow onto the paper. It is really about sharing Christ (THE Word) and His words and then let the result be marked by the convincing demonstration of power by the Holy Spirit." When you shared how Paul is just like you and me until he allowed the Holy Spirit to guide his words and actions, I felt relief that there is hope for me to be a light of Christ for others. Thank you for sharing this at Weekend Whispers.

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    1. Mary,
      I found great comfort in those thoughts as well. We are not so unlike Paul...he was a terrific example of how God can use ordinary people who are willing to be channels of the Holy Spirit in order to share the light and hope of Christ. YOU are doing just that!! I'm so glad I found Weekend Whispers :)
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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    2. YOU are doing that too and I love coming to visit you here every week!!! Hope your week has started off well.

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    3. Thanks Mary,
      I love having you here :) So far a good week!
      Blessings to you this week,
      Bev

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  11. Hello, Bev! I just finished reading one of your comments over at (in)courage, and decided this is the day to visit you here! You and I follow three of the same blogs, and I often admire your honest, thoughtful, soul-searching comments. You ARE a gifted writer! What a God-incident that I should come to your blog just when you express misgivings about the eloquence of your words. Please know: God IS using you; he's used you to minister to me. For that to continue, I'm becoming a follower, as well! :-)

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    1. Hi Nancy,
      So good to have you here!! I can't tell you how much your kind words made my day :) Thank you for the encouragement to keep writing from my heart as honestly and openly as I am able. It was so encouraging for me to read about Paul and his struggles. God can use all of us if we just allow Him to! I was dusting my piano the other day and I thought of you...I really need to try to "tickle the ivories" more often instead of just dusting them lol. Welcome...
      Blessings,
      Bev xx

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  12. This is my first time visiting your blog, Bev. I love what you expressed here, especially these words, which Mary also mentioned in her comment: "I don't know about you, but to me, that was a huge relief to know that someone else's coming to faith or growing in faith is not dependent upon my intellectual or oratorical ability. It doesn't depend on how beautifully my words flow onto the paper. It is really about sharing Christ (THE Word) and His words and then let the result be marked by the convincing demonstration of power by the Holy Spirit."

    What you say is so true. When I rely upon the Holy Spirit and not my own "ability" or "eloquence," His grace is able to flow through me, unhindered. Thank you so much for sharing this encouragement.

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    1. Rebekah,
      First, let me say, "Welcome!" So good to have you here. Like you, what Paul wrote about hit me like a ton of bricks (in a good way). For so long, I've put the emphasis on Me and My ability or inability. This has freed me tremendously...by leaving the "power" to change in the hands of the Holy Spirit, I am more free to let God flow through me vs. work on words that come from me. So glad you found encouragement and you have encouraged me greatly!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  13. Hello Bev. I am glad we don't need to fill out an eloquence form or go for a speech test before we are enrolled into God's Kingdom else we would have to leave for Big time politicians!

    This is a lovely piece you have written. Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit work through you. Simply listening and allowing the Holy Spirit moderate our conversation is wisdom.

    Thank you for sharing your experience, friend.
    Blessings to you Bev.

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    1. Ifeoma,
      Yes, indeed, so glad there's no eloquence test to pass. In fact, I am greatly encouraged that God loves to use the seemingly flawed person in order to greatly further His Kingdom. Joining with you as we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us...
      Blessings to you sweet friend,
      Bev

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  14. I love this. Lately, I've been meditating on how the Holy Spirit is our helper. One area that I've been asking for His help in is evangelism. I know that I have His truth and His power in me which is all I need to share the gospel, but so often I get into conversations with people and I freeze. This is something I need to remember - I don't need to use eloquence and perfect articulation in my speech. I just need to share truth.

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    1. Megan,
      I always felt weak when it came to evangelism. I didn't feel like that was one of my "gifts". Paul's words really helped me to step back and see that, like you said, we need only share the Truth and then let the Holy Spirit work!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  15. Oh Bev, I know exactly what you mean! This is such an awesome thought - let Jesus have the last word. I often do just what you describe. I try to craft my words in just the right way to sound eloquent, thinking that's going to be what draws people to Him. But God's Word is alive, and it is those words and His precious Holy Spirit that draw people to Him. Thank you so much for this reminder today. I truly spoke to my heart:)

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    1. Kristine,
      I don't know why I always feel like I have to add to or elaborate on what Jesus said?? I am learning, more and more, that His word is sufficient and sometimes the less I say the better. Paul's words really spoke to me...so glad they spoke to you as well!
      Blessings friend,
      Bev

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