“For I, the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13
Fear is the greatest killer of dreams. For several years I planned to volunteer as an adult literacy instructor, with the hopes of encouraging two men I met to learn how to read. I can only imagine what it would be like to be illiterate, not in the negative connotation, but in the true definition of the word. I am fascinated at the high level of aptitude and social achievement those who cannot read, something many of us literally take for granted, are able to achieve.
As Christians, we take literacy for granted, after all, aren't we supposed to read our Bible? As a literacy volunteer, prior to receiving your own class you must sit and view a class in session, listening to the intimate interactions between the tutor and his / her students. Each class is made up of 6-7 students, ranging in age from about 20-70+, with one or two people representing each age group. In the group I visited, two of the older students were motivated to learn how to read because they simply wanted to read their Bibles and hymnals in church.
My first inclination upon entering the class was thinking that these students carried immense fear, shame, and embarrassment; however, after interacting with them for a few hours, I realized it was just the opposite. These students were extremely courageous! They had taken the initial steps necessary to eliminate what was previously their shame, to ultimately conquer their fear.
Conquering our fears with faith is the ultimate achievement for all Christians; it is our secret weapon against the wiles of the enemy. Fear can rob all, including Christians, of their hope in the future and their faith in God. Yet, it is in our fear that God offers the greatest strength. He promises in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that, “...His strength is made perfect in our weakness.” It is in this promise that we are given our salvation from fear.
So, no matter what ails you, threatens you, or scares you, believe this promise; faith in God is your ultimate weapon against whatever is thrown your way. His strength is perfected in your weakness; the weaker you are, the stronger He is! L.
Study Reference: Isaiah 41:10-13, 2 Corinthians 12:9
From: "Fear Not!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Raul Boesel
Fear is the greatest killer of dreams. For several years I planned to volunteer as an adult literacy instructor, with the hopes of encouraging two men I met to learn how to read. I can only imagine what it would be like to be illiterate, not in the negative connotation, but in the true definition of the word. I am fascinated at the high level of aptitude and social achievement those who cannot read, something many of us literally take for granted, are able to achieve.
As Christians, we take literacy for granted, after all, aren't we supposed to read our Bible? As a literacy volunteer, prior to receiving your own class you must sit and view a class in session, listening to the intimate interactions between the tutor and his / her students. Each class is made up of 6-7 students, ranging in age from about 20-70+, with one or two people representing each age group. In the group I visited, two of the older students were motivated to learn how to read because they simply wanted to read their Bibles and hymnals in church.
My first inclination upon entering the class was thinking that these students carried immense fear, shame, and embarrassment; however, after interacting with them for a few hours, I realized it was just the opposite. These students were extremely courageous! They had taken the initial steps necessary to eliminate what was previously their shame, to ultimately conquer their fear.
Conquering our fears with faith is the ultimate achievement for all Christians; it is our secret weapon against the wiles of the enemy. Fear can rob all, including Christians, of their hope in the future and their faith in God. Yet, it is in our fear that God offers the greatest strength. He promises in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that, “...His strength is made perfect in our weakness.” It is in this promise that we are given our salvation from fear.
So, no matter what ails you, threatens you, or scares you, believe this promise; faith in God is your ultimate weapon against whatever is thrown your way. His strength is perfected in your weakness; the weaker you are, the stronger He is! L.
Study Reference: Isaiah 41:10-13, 2 Corinthians 12:9
From: "Fear Not!" In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: Raul Boesel
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