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NOT FEAR BUT FAITH
'AFTER THEY HAD PRAYED, THE PLACE WHERE THEY WERE MEETING WAS SHAKEN. AND THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.' ACTS 4:31
Do you feel like you're having a hard time today? If so, notice four things that God told Jesus' followers to do when they were getting agro from the people who were against them:
1 ) They got God involved. 'Lord, listen to their threats.' (Acts 4:29 NCV). Have you talked to God about it yet? If it's not big enough to be a prayer it's too small to be a problem! God should be the first person you discuss your problems with, not the last. Praying is like opening the door of your life to God and giving Him full access into your situation; but you have to invite Him in.
2) They prayed for more faith. 'Lord...help us to speak your word without fear' (Acts 4:29). Fear always tries to poke its ugly nose into our business, trying to make us worry and doubt. If you want to kick fear's butt, you must starve it, ignore it and feed your faith instead(Romans 10:17).
3) 'Stretch out your hand' (Acts 4:30 NIV). They expected God to step in and help. The disciples had been through a terrible storm with Jesus so they knew what He could do: 'About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came to them, walking on the water' (Matthew 14:25 NLT). He still works the nightshift; He's available 24/7; all you need to do is talk to Him!
4) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:31). There's the key; they stayed energised and directed by the Spirit of God and you must too. It's ok to use your gifts, as long as you fully rely on God!
written by Bob Gass
