NOVEMBER 16, Hebrews 13:6

Alvin slumped down in his seat, hoping his Sunday school teacher wouldn’t notice him. Brother Joe had just told the class they would be putting on a play at the church anniversary, and Alvin did not want a speaking part! When Brother Joe handed him an entire page of the script, Alvin mumbled that he couldn’t speak in public. But Brother Joe patted him on the back. “You’ll do just fine, Alvin,” he assured him.

On the way home, Alvin complained to his parents. “What if I mess up?” he worried. “That would be so embarrassing.” He sighed.

“Oh, I’m sure you can do it,” said Mom. “Dad and I will help you learn your part and practise it. This will be a way to help you overcome your shyness.” Dad nodded. “We all need to gain confidence in one area or another, and the best way to do that is by actually doing the thing we find difficult,” he said.

That afternoon, Alvin found his part interesting and easy to memorise. “But how can I ever say it in front of all those people?” he wondered. Alvin’s mother interrupted his thoughts. “Look! Jessie’s walking,” she said.

Alvin turned to look. His father held little Jessie’s hand as she took step after step. Then Dad carefully let go, and Jessie took several steps alone. Suddenly, she wobbled and sat down hard. With a big grin, she let her father help her up, and she stepped out again. Mom and Alvin grinned at each other. “The only way Jessie will learn to walk is by walking,” said Mom. “She’s a good example for you.” She pointed to the script in Alvin’s hand.

“You mean... like Dad said, the only way for me to learn to speak in front of people is by doing it, right?” asked Alvin.

“That, and one other thing,” said Mom. “When Jessie falls, she gets up and tries again. So if you make a mistake when speaking, don’t give up! Try again, just like Jessie is doing.” Alvin nodded thoughtfully as Mom added, “We help Jessie learn to walk, and God will help you learn to speak better. Trust Him.”

Thought: Is speaking or performing difficult for you? Do you have trouble witnessing to individuals as well? Don’t be afraid to try it. God will help you gain confidence.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to remember that as You have promised, You will never leave me, but will help me when I speak up for You. With You by my side, I shall not fear. In Jesus’ name I ask, amen.