I recently had an opportunity to witness to my new boss after she asked me why I pray to Father God. Her questions were, “Why Father God? “Why isn’t it Mother God?”
I said the Bible states that God is Father not Mother. Her next question was, “but isn’t the Bible written by man?” I expanded that “the Bible was written by quite a few men over about 1400 years and they were all inspired by the Holy Spirit to write what they wrote. And because of the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, the Bible is perfect in every way - there isn’t one single mistake in it.”
By the incredulous look on her face, I could tell her thought was, you cannot be serious! She burst into mocking laughter. “I don’t believe any of that,” was her derisive chuckle. I laughed too, not because she didn’t believe, but because I was quietly thrilled that I hadn’t held back; I had spoken everything in my mind. She then proceeded to tell me why she didn’t believe. I wanted to maintain my peace, so I smiled, held up my palms to her in a ‘you believe what you want to believe’ gesture, and our conversation returned to work situations until she had to go to another meeting.
I felt a surge of energy run through me as I thought of the verse, the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Images of Jesus, when He was in the treasury room of the temple, came to mind. Jesus was full of joy when telling anyone and everyone who He was and who His Father was. In John 8:19 the Pharisees derisively asked Him, “Just who is this ‘Father’ of yours? Where is he?” Jesus answered (with joy, I believe)“You wouldn’t ask that question if you knew who I am, or My Father. For if you knew Me, you would recognise my Father too.” In John 8:42 He said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me.”
Jesus said and did everything out of love for the Father. Never was there a single moment when He stayed silent out of fear or not wanting to be rejected. He joyfully obeyed the Father in everything! As a result, the Father publicly rejoiced in His Son, saying, “This is My beloved Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Again, in Luke 9:30, the Father said to Peter, James and John, “This is My beloved Son; hear Him!”
1 Corinthians 14:1 tells us to pursue love and strongly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10) so when you talk to others about God you are prophesying life to them. You are literally prophesying to their dry bones. Through you they hear the life-giving word of the Lord! (Ezekiel 37:3-5). Even if they reject your testimony, you have brought joy to the Lord and there’s nothing better and more strengthening than bringing joy to the Lord. The joy of the Lord is your strength!
Love and blessings
Pearl
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