"So they departed from the presence of the council (after being beaten), rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:41-42).
Perhaps you have seen people wear hats that model this phrase...'NO FEAR.'
I don't believe them.
Fear is ubiquitous. We all deal with it to some degree. Even the boldest people know it's always hovering in a corner trying to intimidate them. They just choose to ignore it.
And so, I was intrigued when I read of the incredible transformation of the apostles. They all fled as Jesus was arrested, but now are beaten for sharing their faith, and yet daily they still continue sharing openly.
Fear no longer ruled them. Isn't that our desire?
Remember when fear was little in your life, and faith was big?
Remember when you didn't care who knew you were a Christian?
Remember when compassion filled your heart more than fear?
Remember when you were actually excited about your friends coming to Christ?
Here's what happens to all of us.
When we don't continue to apply the truths in God's word, our heart begins to become calloused. Teaching without application hardens our hearts. It's a fact, when we ignore God's plan for us to be salt and light, our desire to be salt and light gradually diminishes.
The solution? They eagerly invited the Holy Spirit to fill them with His power. They prayed and prayed for it to happen. And when it did, they chose to not waste another day. Any suffering would now be considered a badge of honor. Any rejection they experienced would be a trophy of rejoicing.
Oh yes, the fear still hovered in a corner, but it no longer ruled them.
"God, let it be so in us... for Your glory."
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
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