The Beauty of Backspace

Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

Gracious speech is something I've always admired in others.  

I often trip over my words in a rush to regurgitate everything that is on my mind and heart, as if there will never be another opportunity to speak.  And, there's no backspace, no delete key.  The purity or impurity of my heart is instantly and obviously revealed.  It's one of the many reasons I prefer writing.

Does that ever happen to you?

It happened to me today.  My dear friend, Earl, asked me to speak in his Sunday School Class, to share my testimony.  And, while my ability to speak well is so very lacking, I am reminded that God's ability to use all of my brokenness and imperfection is anything but lacking.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul reminds us of the power of God's grace in our lives, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

I could dwell on the tripped-over words, verbal pause, and rabbit chasing, but today I will choose to dwell on the power of Jesus to waste nothing, and pray there were no kinks in my straw today (see Of Milkshakes and Ministry, January 10, 2018).  

Just as Jesus used even the scraps left over after feeding the multitudes twice in the New Testament (John 6:12), I know that He can use my imperfect life to help someone today.  But, I must first give Him what I have, just as the young boy gave Jesus his lunch.

And, what Jesus did with that lunch . . . amazing.

What about you?  Do you hesitate to share what you have because you feel it is too little or imperfect?  Do you, like me, stumble when you speak, searching for the backspace?  May I encourage you to cast aside your fear and listen to the gentle nudges God gives you to speak to others?

I still love the backspace button, perhaps a little too much, but I'll make every effort to improve my speaking ability.  After all, Proverbs 22:11 says, "He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend."  

May our hearts be purified, our speech gracious, and may we remember to thank God for wasting nothing and using every single thing we give to Him in sharing His love with others today.

Goodnight, Runners.