And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
Acts 9:26-27
Father God use me today to be an advocate for someone. Show me how I can speak on behalf of one whose past actions or behaviors have disqualified them in the eyes of others for the things that they believe You have called them to do. I know how, in my life, my past sins and transgressions continue to loom in the back of my mind. Though I know that You have given me forgiveness, as have those I have hurt, I still carry the scars of my brokenness, deeming myself unworthy. I am grateful for the people You have raised up in my life who have vouched for me, not only affirming to me who You have called me to be through their words of encouragement, but have spoken on my behalf to others of my worthiness. I know that I would not be here if it were not for You working through them on my behalf. Help me, Father, to be that person, a son of encouragement, always seeing the good that another can do and the blessing that they can be. It is my prayer that You would use me to help open a door or provide a resource so that others can find their life’s fulfillment in You. Give me the words and the credibility to be that person. I don’t want the credit. I just want to give back what You have graciously given to me through lives of others. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.