Day 24 — Not Ashamed

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.”

— Romans 1:16 (BSB)

Esther was a young Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. But nobody in the palace knew she was Jewish. She had kept it a secret.

Then a wicked man named Haman convinced the king to sign a law to destroy all the Jewish people in the kingdom. Esther’s cousin Mordecai begged her to go to the king and plead for her people. But there was a problem: anyone who went to the king without being invited could be put to death!

Esther had a choice. She could keep quiet and stay safe. Or she could stand up, tell the king who she really was, and risk everything.

She asked all the Jewish people to pray and fast for her for three days. Then she said, “I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” (Esther 4:16).

Esther went to the king. He welcomed her, and God used her courage to save her people.

Being known as a follower of Jesus can feel a little scary sometimes too. Maybe you’re afraid kids at school will laugh if they find out you go to church. Maybe you feel awkward praying before lunch in the cafeteria. Maybe someone says something bad about God, and you’re not sure whether to speak up.

Paul faced people who laughed at him, beat him and threw him in jail for talking about Jesus. But he said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Why? “Because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The good news about Jesus isn’t something embarrassing. It’s the most powerful, life-changing message in the world!

Being “not ashamed” doesn’t mean you have to preach on the playground or argue with everyone. It means you don’t hide who you belong to. You might:

• Say, “Yes, I’m a Christian,” when someone asks.
• Pray before you eat, even when others can see.
• Invite a friend to church or youth group.
• Kindly say, “I don’t do that,” when others are doing something wrong.

Jesus said that whoever acknowledges Him before others, He will acknowledge before His Father in heaven (Matthew 10:32). He’s never ashamed of you.

Think about it: When do you find it hardest to let people know you follow Jesus? Why?

Try this: Do one small thing today that shows you’re not ashamed of Jesus, like praying before lunch, wearing something that shows your faith, or inviting a friend to church.

Dear Jesus, You are never ashamed of me. Help me not to be ashamed of You. Give me the courage Esther had, to stand up for what’s right and be known as Your follower. Thank You that the good news about You is the power of God. In Your name, Amen.