Acts 1:8, Contemporary English Version
‘But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power.’
When you’re searching for words
Your neighbour greets you every morning, but today he seems sad. You want to ask how he is, yet you hesitate: what if there is nothing you can do? Perhaps you feel the same way when someone asks about your faith. You want to speak honestly about Jesus, but you do not have an answer to every question. Jesus’ first disciples knew fear and doubt. It was to them that he made this promise.
It began close to home
Jesus said these words shortly before he went to heaven. His disciples would no longer see him as they had before. How could they carry on? Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would give them strength to tell others what they had seen and heard of him. Their story began in Jerusalem, the city where they were. Later, it reached people beyond their own region and culture.
A beginning does not have to be big today, either. Someone from church sits beside a newcomer. A neighbour brings food to someone who is ill. A colleague keeps listening when you say things are difficult at home. And a friend explains why he prays for you, while giving you room to ask questions. In this way, a simple conversation can open the door to getting to know Jesus.
Final thought
Perhaps you want to help someone but do not know how. Perhaps what you long for most is to be seen yourself. You do not need the right words or a firm faith before coming to Jesus. Tell him what is on your mind. And, if you wish, find someone you can speak with openly about your questions. What would you ask first?
A prayer
“Jesus, I sometimes struggle to find the words. Help me listen carefully and speak honestly. Let me discover who you are, and give me courage to take a first step. Amen.”