Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - The Mouse in the Room

"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer  persecution." 

2 Timothy 3:12

     When it comes to courage, what's your worst-case scenario? Like the elephant afraid of a mouse, it may not be as obvious as you think.
     While the rest of the Hebrew army quaked before Goliath's vile tongue and menacing frame, David grew bold. For David, his own children seemed to be his "Goliath" because he never addressed what he should have addressed with them.
      Gideon was terrified of leading his own shadow, much less an actual army but God used him to lead a small unit to the brink of battle and he never had to draw a sword.
      Elijah stood on a Mount Carmel representing the minority of God-worshipers in the land and called down fire from heaven, yet Jezebel had him hiding in a cave and wishing to die.
     Peter drew his sword to defend Jesus among armed men of authority and power on the Mount of Olives only to cower, curse and lie to a group of servants in the courtyard outside Jesus' interrogation chamber. 
     "Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels," before crowds of people, I may find loving one other person the most courageous thing God calls me to do.
     "Though I give everything I own to the poor" and trust God to take care of all my needs, I may find I'm really afraid of not doing enough to deserve God's attention or salvation.
    The disciples who hid when Jesus was arrested and crucified became the very men who couldn't keep their mouths shut about Jesus after His resurrection. 
     "We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:20)
     Why couldn't they stop? Because they had spent time with the resurrected Jesus and the words falling from lips that had been stilled in death sank into their core with a whole new perspective of His Power and Purpose. 
     The next time people sneer at your faith, insult your intelligence, boldly state their atheism, or become belligerent at the mention of Christianity, remember their own fear that they're terribly wrong drives them to nip at you and yours.  They haven't met Jesus' or looked into His compassionate Heart to see themselves as He sees them.  We won't win anyone with a spirit of fear so let's forget the opposition and take our position at Jesus' feet.


"But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way." 1 Peter 3:14

"I command you -- be strong and courageous! 

Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." 

Joshua 1:9

"Say to those who are afraid, 

'Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. 

He is coming to save you.'" 

Isaiah 35:4