Shalom,
Today I want to share from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland's "Faith To Faith" devotional!
Nothing to Be Afraid Of
He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5-6
Self-consciousness is a major problem in the Body of Christ today. It keeps us from doing the things God tells us to do. Instead of simply obeying Him, it makes us start to wonder, Now what will people think of me if I do that? What if I command that person to get out of the wheelchair and he doesn't get up? What if I start believing for prosperity and go broke? What about that, God? I won't look too good, will I?
If you've ever been through that, let me tell you something: It doesn't matter how you look! It's obeying God that counts. When it comes to obeying God, your own reputation doesn't count. And the sooner you forget it, the better off you'll be.
But you know what's ironic? Once you do that, your reputation gets better. It's a funny thing. When you lose that desire to protect your image, your image will improve. Why? Because then when people look at you, instead of seeing that puny little image you have of yourself, they'll see the image of the Lord Jesus coming through.
So put aside that old self-consciousness and develop God-consciousness instead. Stop being dominated by the fear of man and start being motivated by faith in what Jesus can do.
After all, He has promised He will never leave you or forsake you. Grab hold of that. Believe it. Act on it. Once you do, you'll realize there's really nothing to be afraid of anymore!
I LOVE that I no longer have to look to myself and my own strength, but I can COUNT on JESUS to lead, guide and direct me through every situation, circumstance, test and trial by His Spirit who lives IN me! And YOU, if Jesus is YOUR Lord and Saviour, can have great confdidence in this same thing! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Good Grace":
Shalom in Him!