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. — Isaiah 41:10
What we fear controls us.
On one side of the fear line we are willing and obedient, ready to serve God and do whatever He commands. On the other side, we say, "God, I cannot do that. It’s too scary."
Some time ago, a missionary told this story. A group of militant anti-Christians shouting angry accusations surrounded and broke into a Christian compound. When the leader of the compound went out to reason with the crowd, he was mercilessly beaten.
This man had a little child – she was barely old enough to begin speaking a few words clearly. She had never spoken a complete sentence before. While her father was being beaten, she walked out toward the angry mob. Someone from the mob saw the little girl and intended to bring harm to her. One of the women of the compound saw what was about to take place, she ran as fast as she could, scooped up the little one, and ran into a women’s dormitory. She barely had time to bolt the door before the angry crowd caught up with her.
The surrounded the dormitory attempting to knock down the door or break through the windows. When that failed, they doused the building with kerosene and tried to start it on fire.
Inside, the women were terrified. They were screaming and crying, but all of a sudden, something arrested their attention.
The little child, who had never before spoken a sentence, said this: "Why are you so afraid? Don’t you know that you are the apple of My eye?"
From that point forward, the women stood in awe of God. The angry crowd tried again and again to set the house on fire, but could not. They finally dispersed and went home.
The point of my story? God will meet you in your fears. He will show you that He has not abandoned you. He will show you what kind of God He is, that His strength is enough even for you.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight’s 50th Birthday Book Sale
Inspirational stories to share with friends and family
http://www.dwightclough.com/books.html
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.