Because God loves us, He gives us tangible ways to experience His love—to receive a hug of comfort, to sit in silence together, to hear a word of grace spoken. 

“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet 4:11 ESV)

God often chooses to make His love known through everyday human interactions, inviting you and me to be channels of His blessing. Through our words and actions, we can bring others closer to our God, the Healer who binds up wounds and the Shepherd who leads us in righteousness.

What are God’s oracles? They are not our own opinions or impulses, but words shaped and governed by Scripture, applied wisely to the needs before us. "Lord, give me Your words! Help me speak!" Seize such opportunities: to speak His word, whether to comfort others or to help them see how God’s teachings apply to their circumstances.

Before speaking for God, we must first digest His word. Prior to embarking on his ministry, the prophet Ezekiel first ate a scroll that God gave him (Eze 3:1-3). Even Ezekiel’s words were governed by God in an extraordinary way, reminding us that our speech ought to be submitted to Him (Eze 3:26-27). 

Then what sustained Ezekiel when he preached to a rebellious house? He needed God-given strength. God made his forehead as hard as the foreheads of his listeners, so Ezekiel would not falter even when they rejected him repeatedly (Eze 3:8-9). 

More importantly, before Ezekiel served, he had seen the likeness of the glory of the Lord (Eze 1:26-28). As we serve today, we gain strength by keeping our eyes on Jesus and His moment of glory: His crucifixion for us, and His victory over death (Jn 17:5).

Ezekiel may not have turned his listeners’ hearts back to the Lord. Yet Ezekiel still glorified Him. How? He persisted in living out God’s heart, showing His mercy and compassion towards those who did not want Him.

If you fear rejection in speaking for God, ask the Lord to give you Ezekiel’s boldness. Ask Him to help you see His glory. And if you feel too weak to sustain your service or to love someone who feels unlovable, pray for strength while nourishing your soul through God’s word. 

As you speak God’s word and serve in His strength, you need not fear. For when you are insulted for Christ, you glorify Him—and the Spirit of glory rests upon you (1 Pet 4:14). 

Reflection

1. Think about 1 time you felt someone’s words or actions encouraged you. This week, how can you encourage someone else to bring them closer to God?  

2. What does it look like to “digest” God’s word before speaking or serving in His name? What habits help me do this well? 

3. How do I usually respond when my words to help others are misunderstood or rejected? When this happens, how can I rely on God’s strength rather than my own?

Ideas for Prayer

1. Lord, give me boldness to preach without fear of others rejecting me

2. Lord, [insert name here] is struggling. Teach me what to say so that I can speak Your word as an encouragement into his or her heart.

3. Open my eyes of faith, Jesus. I want to always see Your glory in my life, so that I have strength to serve you.