The Conversation Took a Holy Turn
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Scripture Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15, NIV
It was just a lunch with friends on an ordinary day. The kind of easy conversation that moved from Christmas highlights to schedules to what everyone was doing next. Someone asked if I’d be joining the next Bible study. I answered honestly: No, I’m teaching again this semester on the same day.
That led to a pause. Then my follow-up with a simple question that popped into my mind: Have any of you studied or used the book, The Bible Recap?
That one question opened a door. After briefly explaining what it was about, one woman asked for the author and looked it up on the spot to order. Later, as we gathered for a group picture, someone who had sat at the opposite end of the table from me, came alongside me and said, I overheard you talking about Bible Recap. I bought it for my husband last Christmas. He took it into his office and used it daily. I need to retrieve it for myself and read it this year.
The exchanges were nothing dramatic. No sermons. No Sunday lessons. Just faith spoken naturally into an ordinary moment. Yet, creating an impact.
It reminded me how often God works even through casual small talk and questions rather than perfectly planned words. When we slow down enough to listen to the Spirit. we create space for our faith to bubble to the surface and make it visible without force.
As believers, we never enter conversations alone. God gives us His Holy Spirit, who lives within us and is constantly available: nudging us when to speak, when to listen, and when a gentle word might open a heart to draw closer. Practicing that kind of attentiveness and purposefulness can effect ripples far beyond what we see.
The invitation is not to insert faith awkwardly, but to be open and responsive to the opportunity to allow Christ to be named as naturally as any other part of our lives. One honest answer. One thoughtful pause. One question at the table. We don’t need all the right words. We just need a willing heart. God will do the rest.
Reflect: This week, how can you practice being intentional about sharing your faith in a small way, such as:
• When someone asks what you’ve been up to, mention a worship service, Bible study, or church activity that’s been meaningful to you.
• When someone shares a struggle, say, “I’ll pray for you.” Better yet, ask if you can pray right then (this is one I’ve asked God to help me grow in confidence and comfort to do!)
• When asked for advice in a difficult situation, respond with honesty and faith: “That’s so hard. I don’t have a good answer. I would need to take that one to God in prayer and leave it with Him.”
What other ways can you think of?
Pray: God, make me attentive to Your presence and faithful with the opportunities You place before me. Meet me in ordinary conversations today. Teach me when to speak, when to pause, and how to point gently back to You. Amen.
By His Grace, Gloria Ashby Lay Leader