BBD 08.17.07 When God Speaks - Part V
Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>
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08.17.07
When God Speaks - Part V
He Provides the Courage
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which
they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who
were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid. From
now on you will catch men." So when they had brought their boats to land,
they forsook all and followed Him. - Luke 5:9-11.
Simon Peter was at times fearless and at times very fearful. Peter was
fearless when he stepped out of the boat and walked on water (Matthew
14:30). Peter was fearful when he saw the wind and the waves and began to
sink. Peter was fearful when he denied Christ three times but he was
fearless on the day of Pentecost. Jesus told Peter at the time that He
called him, "Do not be afraid." At the time, Peter and his friends were
frightened because they knew that only God could do what had been done with
the great catch of fish. Christ had more in mind though than that as He
said, "From now on you will catch men." "Do not be afraid.." ".you will
catch men."
To some extent everything that is done spiritually requires that fear must
be overcome. Being basically a shy person ministry, which requires continual
interaction with others, was not something that I could do without
supernatural empowerment. Over the years, the interaction has become more
natural for me. Standing up before others and preaching was difficult at
first - at times, it still can be very difficult. However, God has always
been faithful to enable me to do what is needed. It can be embarrassing to
lose your voice as I did one Easter morning in the middle of the sermon. It
can also be difficult to think that at any time during the sermon my voice
may suddenly stop working as it has a few times. Only through His power, His
courage can I continue. There have been times when I have been physically
ill and thought that I would be unable to speak when it was time for me to
preach. But when it was time and I began to stand up God gave me the
strength to stand and to speak.
Witnessing is often difficult and it is actually easier for me to share with
a stranger than it is a friend or relative. It takes courage, supernatural
courage for me to do this. Starting a new class, or a new program, or having
a special event in our church is not always easy. Why? Because of fear. Fear
of failure. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of humiliation. It takes courage to
do these things and God is faithful and has always been faithful to provide
that courage. To begin writing this devotional was difficult and to continue
to write can be difficult when some are offended, and some criticize. God,
however, has always provided the empowerment, the courage, and along with it
feedback from others that have been touched by the devotional.
If you remember Joshua, facing the great city of Jericho God gave him the
courage and the plan to overthrow that city. If you remember Nehemiah there
were some who criticized, threatened, and mocked but he continued on to
successfully build the wall around Jerusalem. The strength and the courage
for Nehemiah came directly from God.
When God speaks to call you to serve Him remember He will provide the
courage. God will say to you, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will
uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)."
Copyright © 2007. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals
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