“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19).

Sometimes we picture the Apostle Paul as a gigantic man who never felt fear, trepidation, or hesitation. We imagine him to be almost superhuman in strength and ability. While Paul certainly was a faithful servant of the Lord, he was still every bit a man. Fraught with human frailty, with all its weakness and fearfulness, Paul asked the believers at Ephesus to remember him in their prayers. Specifically he asked them to pray that God would help him to open his mouth and speak to people about the gospel.

It makes me think of Frank (not his real name.) Recently he told me, “I could kick myself. What an opportunity came to me to share my faith this week. I was going to say something, and before I knew it, I chickened out. I am so ashamed of myself.” Frank needed to ask people to pray the same thing for him that we all need, even Paul. We each need to ask the Lord to give us boldness and help to open our mouths to share the gospel. Frank, the Apostle Paul, and I have something in common! Probably you do as well.

For today: Be ready! Perhaps sometime today the Lord will orchestrate an opportunity for you to share with someone. Be gracious and be bold!