“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth.”  Deuteronomy 18:18

“Many who heard him were astounded.  They said, “Is not this the carpenter?”  Mark 6:2-3

Not long ago a close friend of 50+ years called to tell us her husband passed away unexpectedly.  I ‘profoundly’ said, “I don’t know what to say.”  And for several moments we simply cried together over the phone line.  Sometimes sitting quietly with a friend, being present in the moment, is enough.

But there are times when a voice is needed – for advocacy and justice, to speak up for the slandered, for truth.  Afraid of saying the wrong thing and appearing ‘stupid’; making waves and offending; we remain silent.   Even in social, non-threatening situations I am rather shy, not a talker, fearing words won’t come.  Moses was not a talker but followed God’s lead, trusting God’s help.

When nothing is all we can say, “sighs too deep for words”, Paul wrote that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, in our prayers.  When we need guidance in everyday situations – when comfort is needed, when words of defense and justice are called for, the Holy Spirit will guide us with words spoken with understanding and compassion.     

We need to keep our ears – and minds – open as well.  God talks to us through unexpected sources … “the carpenter”, our angels.  Who might be ministering to us when we least expect it?

Dear Lord, may we trust in you to give us words when we feel challenged to speak words of comfort, words of justice.  May our words and actions show with your love in our hearts.  Amen

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party