DAY 4: Courage
What Are You Afraid Of?
Exodus 3-4:17
…I will be with you…
When I first heard about the trip to Ghana, West Africa, all I could remember were the parts having to do with the physical hardships we might have to endure: Inoculations against diseases like typhoid and yellow fever, pills and mosquito nets which were still no guarantee against the possibility of getting malaria, extremely high temperatures, poisonous snakes, and taking bucket baths in the outdoors. As I reflected upon whether or not I should apply to the trip, however, I realized that I was letting fear get in the way of listening to God's call. Didn't I trust that God would be with me? Was I going to let my nervousness about the unknown block what God may have in store for me?
Then one day, while listening to a sermon on faith, I had a deep assurance that God wanted me to go to Ghana. I applied and was accepted. I went.
The trip to West Africa became one of the most formative times of my life. Sure, I still had some fears, but they had become overshadowed by an exciting awareness of how God was working in the world, and the realization that God had plans for my life that I could never have imagined.
When has fear or doubt prevented me from hearing God's voice and doing something?
Prayer:
Ever-present God, remind me of your promise to always be with me so that I may follow you even when I am afraid. Amen
Action steps:
- Write a letter or e-mail to someone you know who might be lonely. Let them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. Remind them that God is with them.
- Extra effort: Get together with a friend or two. Together, cook a warm meal and take it to a homeless person in your area or a neighbor who can't leave their house because of an illness or disability. As you give them the meal, ask them their name, take a few minutes to listen to them, and be with them.
contributed by Pastor Erik and Desta Goehner