The Chartered Market Technician</i> (CMT) newsletter did a survey...
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The Chartered Market Technician (CMT) newsletter did a survey and found the number one fear of Americans is public speaking. This surpassed what we would think people would normally rank first, such as the fear of getting cancer or being in an automobile accident. This only underscores how difficult it is for us to muster the courage to share the message of Jesus Christ; either in front of an audience or in a quiet place where we are speaking one-to-one with a friend.
I am sure that this is not a recent discovery, but a fear that has plagued men and women for eons. This is underscored by how many times the scriptures record that when we are to give our testimony, we should not be afraid for the Holy Spirit will speak through us. This point is accentuated by Paul when he wrote these words to the parishioners at the church in Corinth, "For in him you have been enriched in every way -- in all your speaking and in all your knowledge -- because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift…"
It is as difficult now to witness for Jesus as it was in the days of Paul. But, for Christians of every generation and every century one fact remains constant: We are prepared to speak because we are blest by the Holy Spirit. If we have the courage to allow faith to guide us, the Holy Spirit will speak for us.
I am sure that this is not a recent discovery, but a fear that has plagued men and women for eons. This is underscored by how many times the scriptures record that when we are to give our testimony, we should not be afraid for the Holy Spirit will speak through us. This point is accentuated by Paul when he wrote these words to the parishioners at the church in Corinth, "For in him you have been enriched in every way -- in all your speaking and in all your knowledge -- because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift…"
It is as difficult now to witness for Jesus as it was in the days of Paul. But, for Christians of every generation and every century one fact remains constant: We are prepared to speak because we are blest by the Holy Spirit. If we have the courage to allow faith to guide us, the Holy Spirit will speak for us.
