FACE YOUR FEARS
Most of the pastors and Christians in India live in fear every day. They are a hated, unprotected minority. They are careful, but they are also courageous in their faith. They remind me of David in the Bible.
David was born about 1035 BC. Since he was the youngest son, he got the worst job on the farm, watching the sheep. God used those years to train David to be a man who would trust, love and serve God. There are several lessons about serving God we can learn from David.
COURAGE TO FACE CHALLENGES By the time he was 10 years old, David had fought a bear and a lion to protect his sheep. That took a lot of courage for a young boy! It takes courage to live for Jesus. God will continually put us in positions where we must trust Him and Him alone for protection and deliverance. David learned he could always count on God. Courage is trusting God is in control no matter what happens. Courage is fear “prayed up”. We may still feel the fear but it doesn’t dictate our response and action. If we follow God, there is ultimately nothing to fear. The popular saying goes,” He doesn’t promise a smooth ride, just a safe landing”
David wrote in Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” David had courage in little things and as the challenges grew, so did his our faith. Before David could face Goliath, he was victorious facing the bear and the lion.
Today, we need courage to stand against mockery, criticism and persecution. It takes courage to take a stand for Jesus and lead others to follow Him as well. It starts in our families and with our friends. (January 13, 2020 Doylestown, PA)
Hebrews 13:5-6 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”[b]
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Are you obedient to His Word and leading of His Spirit, no matter what others may think? Are you influenced by the opinion of others? Is your confidence based in God and not your own ability?