Declarations

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. – Ephesians 6:19-20

A declaration is the act of making something known, usually through the use of words.  When the thirteen colonies wanted to inform the British king of their desire to be a separate country from Great Britain they officially declared their intent in the writing of the Declaration of Independence.  Declarations can often times be risky business.  It was not an easy thing for the colonists to take a stand and put their beliefs in writing knowing that they were speaking against a much stronger, powerful and larger nation.  When the Declaration of Independence was written those who signed it did not know if what they were declaring would actually make any difference.  But they took a step of faith and it made all the difference in the world.

In Ephesians, Paul urges the church to pray that he would have the courage to boldly declare the message of the gospel.  Paul knew well that declaring the gospel was risky business.  At the time that he wrote this letter he was under house arrest and bound by chains for preaching the gospel.  At the time Paul had no idea what might become of his preaching or if it would make any difference.  But he stepped out in faith and continued to declare the gospel wherever he went and Paul’s preaching changed the world.

As Christians we are called to declare the gospel message.  It is risky business and we might not be able to see what difference it might make.  But we must be willing to take that step of faith.  You never know when your words might just change another person’s life, or maybe even change the world.

Prayer:  Lord, I thank you for the courage and faith of those who have gone before and for their willingness to declare their beliefs against strong opposition.  Help me to have that same courage and faith so that I can go and declare the gospel to others.  Use my words to make a change in this world for your kingdom.  Amen.     

Faith Tip:  The first step to making a declaration is understanding what it is that you want to declare.  Take some time to think about how you might share the gospel message with someone and what you might say.  If you prepare yourself now you will be ready when the opportunity comes along.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson