Today’s Encouragement is John 20:19 ESV On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
For Fear –
After 3 years together with Jesus, they all ran away at his arrest. (Matt. 6:26)
Until Jesus breathed His Holy Spirit into them! (John 20:22) And then –
Everything Changed!
Then – Peter left the locked room where he and the others had been hiding in fear and boldly preached publicly – and 3000 were saved that day! (Acts 2:41)
My friends, God is Sovereign, He decides everything – who, what, when, where, and how. And when He acts, when He speaks – Everything Changes!
The terrible fear of the disciples (which was perfectly rational at the time) was replaced with powerful Faith (which was not rational under their circumstances) after Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into them (John 20:22). And they were then transformed from fearful – to Faithful. By God’s act, not by their efforts, but by God’s Sovereign act.
The encouragement? Just as He did then, He can still today (and always!). God can transform our fearful hiding into faithful courage.
Father, we admit that we are fragile, fearful people, just like sheep as you have said… and we need Your Holy Spirit to live within us, to give us Your strength and power and courage. Transform us from fearful to Faithful, we ask in Jesus’ Name!
Everything Changed
Zack Williams
Today’s Encouragement 