At Westwinds this season we are teaching through a book my friend Ben Redmond has written. His book explains how to relentlessly pursue the virtue critical to a mature Christian life. Here’s a short sample of his book. You’ll be able to order to released book on Amazon soon.
Amanda Smith Berry often wasn’t allowed entry to the church services she was preaching or singing at. People treated her like a novelty, even charging money to hear “the black girl” preach and sing. Smith often spoke of the fear that would grip her each time she was given the opportunity to speak or sing. But God had called her, and she practiced courage by demonstrating strength in the face of her fear.
Smith preached the gospel to thousands of people in London, India, and Africa. After almost a decade in Liberia, she returned home to found an orphanage and home for African American children in the Chicago area. When she died in 1915, her funeral set the record for the most widely attended funeral of an African American in the city.
We all face fear, and we all have the opportunity to respond to it with courage. Maybe you find yourself in the middle of a situation like Amanda Berry Smith–afraid of what might happen if you take another step. Her story is a reminder that God provides where he calls. The Scripture tells us God’s strength works best in the times when we are weak. If God has asked you to do something, He will see you through it. Our responsibility is to respond to His calling with courage. Here’s a first step to take in your quest to develop godly courage: Face your fear, and invite God into the story.
We won’t be able to access our strength if we are unwilling to be honest about our fears. I have had times in my life when I was afraid for my family, and I’ve had times when I was afraid for my job. In both these instances I couldn’t practice courage until I was honest about my fear. Once we get honest, then we have to invite God into the story. Remember, where God calls he always provides–that’s why we don’t have to be afraid. However, we have to invite him into the story.