The 10-Second Window

by Chris Kiriakos on October 15, 2025

It’s Wednesday, October 15th, 2025. You ever feel that nudge to say something about Jesus and instantly start arguing with yourself? “Maybe later. Maybe when it’s quieter.” There’s often a short delay between the moment God nudges you and the moment you obey. For most of us, that delay lasts about ten seconds — the 10-second window — and in that gap, faith either speaks up or backs down.

Today's Reading:
Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1,2; Acts 4

Scripture

“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: ‘Rulers and elders of the people…’” (Acts 4:8)

Observation

Not long before, this same council had condemned and killed Jesus. A fearful Peter once crumbled under the pressure and swore he didn’t even know Him. But now he stands in the face of killers, declaring the power of Jesus’ name.

Same room.

Same rulers.

Different Peter.

That turnaround happened inside a 10-second window: the space between fear and faith. In that heartbeat of decision, the Holy Spirit filled him, and those few seconds became a doorway for the gospel.

Application

Everyone gets a 10-second window.

It’s that small pulse of opportunity between my heart pounding and my mouth opening — the moment to stand where I once ran.

Same fears.

Same pressures.

Different me.

I want to live ready for that 10-second window — ready for the Spirit to empower and embolden me to declare the name of Jesus in the face of killers — the things that try to silence my voice, steal my confidence, weaken my faith, or even threaten my life.

When that moment comes, I’m going to speak truth anyway — not after the fear leaves, but right in the middle of it. Because when I do, the Spirit will meet me there, just as He met Peter — right in that 10-second window: the space between fear and faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I lift up the same prayer the disciples prayed:

“Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them…Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable [me] to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:24, 29-30 NIV)

Amen.

-Chris Kiriakos

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