Yesterday I was challenged by our pastors sermon as he spoke about Obadiah in I Kings 18:1-16. Our pastor shared how Obadiah was a man who “feared the Lord greatly” but his faith was lived in the shadows. Obadiah was afraid to stand up, come out of the shadows and let his faith be known.
The question that has been ringing in my mind is this, “Has fear moved me into the shadows?” Has the fear of rejection, ridicule, or even retaliation kept you from speaking out about your faith?
Do my friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, or those that I sit in church with every Sunday know that I fear the Lord?
Have I made my faith known?
Do I stand up and speak (in love) against sin or do I hide in the shadows, afraid of what people might think?
Do encourage others in their faith? Do I speak words of kindness and love in order to spur them on in their faith and good works? Do I encourage them to get their eyes back on God instead of their fear of man?
As I enter into this Christmas season I am praying that as Christ-followers we will be bold in our faith. That we will stand with a courageous faith.
I am praying that I will have a faith that is not only courageous but contagious!
Here are just a few verses that might encourage you to stand firm and be courageous in your faith.
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thess 5:14
Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all you do be done in love. 1 Cor 16:13,14
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' Isaiah 41:10
Oh Father help me to keep my eyes on you and have a faith that is able to stand up against those who would have me deny you by the way I live. Help me to live a life that openly expresses my faith. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can speak words of encouragement and love. Forgive me for those times that my actions have denied you before men. Forgive me for those times when I allow fear to keep me from being courageous.
Great post! I think fear can be such a huge obstacle. It can swallow you up! I have wrestled with fear and wrote about it today also (at reneeannsmith.com.) Blessings!
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