- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 11,642
All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the ram's horn, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance. "You speak to us, and we will listen," they said to Moses, "but don't let God speak to us, or we will die." Exodus 20:18-19 CSB
Taking heart isn’t a one-and-done event. You can be strongly encouraged only to dance with discouragement once more. That happened to the Israelites. They’d seen God work and they experienced moments where they felt no fear because God was with them. In Exodus 20 they forgot what God could do and became afraid of Him. Afraid of God? The one who leads, guides, loves, and adopts? The one who shares, cares, prepares, and helps? That God?
The bold heart of the follower was replaced with something more timid and less courageous. God seemed too big, too mighty—and their own choices made it hard for them to believe that He would be patient with them.
Maybe you’ve felt that way. You love God and have chosen Him, and then suddenly you see your own imperfection and lose heart. The fear that you feel swallows your courage. The promises yyou’ve heard stand in stark contrast to the sin you know exists inside your own weak heart.
Prayer: You’re strong, mighty, and perfect, Father. You’re also loving, kind, and compassionate. I never need to be afraid to come to You.
Taking heart isn’t a one-and-done event. You can be strongly encouraged only to dance with discouragement once more. That happened to the Israelites. They’d seen God work and they experienced moments where they felt no fear because God was with them. In Exodus 20 they forgot what God could do and became afraid of Him. Afraid of God? The one who leads, guides, loves, and adopts? The one who shares, cares, prepares, and helps? That God?
The bold heart of the follower was replaced with something more timid and less courageous. God seemed too big, too mighty—and their own choices made it hard for them to believe that He would be patient with them.
Maybe you’ve felt that way. You love God and have chosen Him, and then suddenly you see your own imperfection and lose heart. The fear that you feel swallows your courage. The promises yyou’ve heard stand in stark contrast to the sin you know exists inside your own weak heart.
Prayer: You’re strong, mighty, and perfect, Father. You’re also loving, kind, and compassionate. I never need to be afraid to come to You.
