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Ever had a secret you were dying to share? It was such good news, but you couldn’t tell anyone. Not yet anyways. There would be a day when the time was right. Until then, you had to keep it within.

On June 7, 2021 I signed my offer and acceptance with Lifeword. This is an amazing organization and it was truly a dream job! The offer had come out of nowhere, wasn’t even on my radar! I loved this organization, I had raised money for them, I wrote for their blog, I had even become a board member to help make decisions. But to work for them full-time had really never been in my plans. I couldn’t understand how or why they would want me to do this job.

But after many discussions and praying, I made the decision and signed the paper. It was one of the most exciting things! The worst part was, I couldn’t tell anyone yet. I wasn’t starting until September 1st, and planned to work up until mid- August. My lips were sealed, but oh how I wanted to share this news and excitement with my friends and co-workers!

Finally, the day came where I could share the great news of what was ahead. I know, it wasn’t what anyone was expecting. But everyone agreed, with this opportunity, how could you say no?

I was all in. God has a plan to reach the world and I get to be a part of it!

“And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.”

Luke 1:20-25

Zacharias was in the temple for the annual offerings during the Feast. He was in the Holy place and was visited by an angel of God, Gabriel. The angel told him that his wife Elisabeth would bear a son and name him John. But Zacharias couldn’t believe it because they had never been able to have children and now they were old. So, as a result of his unbelief, Gabriel took away not only his speech, but likely his hearing too!

He had just learned that the Messiah was coming and that his son, his long awaited son, would pave the way. God had a plan to reach the world and he got to be a part of it! How could he keep this silent? He wanted to tell everyone about this incredible miracle but he couldn’t!

When he came out, he made all kinds of signs to them, but how much of it really made sense to the men? He went home, and can you imagine him trying to tell Elisabeth? How could he tell her she was going to have a baby? And that his name had to be John? And that he would be the one to go before the Messiah, proclaiming his coming?

But the time finally came.

“Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.”

Luke 1:57-64

In their culture, it was the common practice to carry on the family name with their children. So everyone was shocked when Elisabeth said his name was John. And then Zacharias wrote out John on a tablet. At that moment, he could speak, and the first thing he did was praise God!

We each have a wonderful story to tell of the work done in our lives by Jesus Christ. It’s the most exciting news to share! But the world wants to silence us. Ears are closed to hearing the miracles that happen within us from God Himself.

Maybe you’ve been waiting for that day to share your story, but you weren’t sure when the time would be right.

Today is the day!

If you have surrendered your life to Jesus and trust in Him, you have been changed by God and you have a story to tell! At Lifeword, we tell the story. We share God’s redemptive work in the lives of men and women across the globe and how that beautiful gift is available to ALL.

Are you ready to tell your story? I encourage you to do that today. Whether it be on social media, with a family member or with a friend. Share what God has done in your life.

Maybe it’s just the news they’ve been waiting to hear.

Join us by supporting Lifeword as we share the gospel to the ends of the earth!

Copyright © 2022 by Yalanda Merrell Lifeword.org. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org