2 Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
My son and I watched a move called This Land is Mine last night. It is a black-and-white film made in 1943, and stars Charles Laughton. Now, movies about the German occupation of Europe during WWII are usually very intense, but this was a remarkably quiet move. It is about a timid school teacher (Laughton) who finds both bravery and his voice. To say that Laughton's final speeches are powerful is putting it mildly. I was so captivated by his words I could hardly breath. At one point, my son turned to me and said, "These words could be spoken today." He was thoroughly correct on that point. Maybe that is why this film moved me so.
Professor Lory, Luaghton's character, speaks of men - which I translated to people- having two sides to them; one they show to others, and one they don't. It also could be one that they themselves recognize and one that they discover to be true. I agree with this wholeheartedly. I have two people living inside of me; one boldly goes forth in faith, and the other gets rocked by fear. I know how paradoxical this sounds, but it is true. The question is: when I am called to bravery, will I be able to stay the course?
I pray the answer to that question is yes, but it can only happen if I am accessing my source of strength. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me," We all, every one of us, may be called to be strong in this current time we live in. That has actually already begun for believers as our world continues to accept all forms of oppression, tyranny, and sin. Will we each stand up bravely for the Gospel of Christ and God's Holy Word, or will we stay silent to save our image, or even our very lives? It is a question I believe every disciple of Jesus needs to ask themselves at such a time as this.
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
1 comment:
I think the thing to recall is we are all strong in different ways. Some may find their physical strength and be able to respond accordingly. Others may find their strength in prayer and praying for others. Whatever your strength is - God will use you.
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