Confronting Fear in Persecution预览
BOLD RESPONSES IN TIMES OF FEAR
I want to draw attention to two biblical heroes who bravely risked their lives and reputations to defend Christ, refusing to let fear win. The first character is Moses from the Old Testament, and the second is Joseph of Arimathea from the New Testament.
We can see that Moses stood firm for the truth in the face of afflictions; he left Pharaoh's presence and chose to live in the land of the Midian rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in the King's palace. His focus was solely on God's people, who were suffering, rather than the wealth in the king’s palace. This same Moses who once fled to Midian out of fear is later seen returning to the same Pharoah asking to set God’s people free. Despite growing up in an ungodly environment, he was completely conscious of his identity and calling. He must have been extremely afraid of what would happen to him if he stood up for his people, but he did so anyway, risking his life, comfort, status, and future in the process.
Sometimes, God calls us to do something remarkable, which always involves risks. One such person was Joseph of Arimathea, who risked his life for his love towards Christ. Even when all of Jesus' disciples fled in fear, he went to Pilate and bravely asked for Jesus' body. He was risking not only his career but also his life. He had been a secret believer out of fear, but now that he has seen the Cross, he is no longer hidden!
Commit and Pray
When God calls you to do something remarkable, to take risks, are you able to take the risk?
Pray that the Lord will give you sufficient grace and boldness to take risks for His name.
读经计划介绍
Fear is one of the most powerful emotions when someone is being persecuted. Attacks, imprisonment, closing of churches, and the death of loved ones and fellow believers due to faith can all leave us feeling fearful to move forward in our Christian journey and helpless. This reading plan is a great way to prepare yourself to face fear when facing persecution if you are fearful of it now.
More