The Power of the Seen And Overheard

 

But be on your guard.

For they will deliver you   

    over to councils,

and you will be

   beaten in synagogues,

and you will stand

before governors and kings

         for My sake,

to bear witness before them.

 

           Mark 13. 9

(Jesus spoke these words

   not to make us afraid,

but to make us aware,

to pay attention

      to every opportunity

      to bear witness.

Witness comes in

    unlikely packages,

  casual conversations,

and unexpected moments.

We may not realize

  that others are watching,

   listening, or overhearing,

whether we react or respond,

how we treat difficult people

    or unfavorable outcomes,

    even displayed in our attitudes.

Our testimony is not

     a scripted answer,

but tangible evidence

      of a changed heart.)

O LORD,

Help us to be bold

       with the gospel

in our ordinary places

       and scary spaces,

among the familiar and strange,

even with those

     who stand against us.

May others who watch us

  see not just a difference in us,

        but that You are real.

Create in them

   a homesickness for You.