Courage To Act

Then he began to tell them about the terrible things he would suffer, and that he would be rejected by the elders and the Chief Priests and the other Jewish leaders - and be killed, and that he would rise again three days afterwards. He talked about it quite frankly with them, so Peter took him aside and chided him. :You shouldn't say things like that," he told Jesus.

Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then said to Peter very sternly, "Satan, get behind me! You are looking at this only from a human point of view and not from God's." Mark 8:31-33 (TLB)

Deb Vellines lives in Missouri. Her mother adjusted to her blindness so well that her sight-loss support group asked her to visit new members who needed help. Eventually, they wrote a pamphlet with information for those with low vision. The trouble was that no one wanted to publish it. An editor suggested that Deb write a blog instead because the information changes so fast.

No. I can't do that, Deb thought. Forget it. How could those with low vision even find a blog? Deb repeated those negative words and believed them for two years. She did not have the courage to step out of her comfort zone.

When Deb read the words in 1 Peter, she wondered, Is this the way the devil works? Is the devil blocking me from serving and helping those with vision problems?

Negative thoughts can determine our actions or, in Deb's case, inaction. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, we can repeat God's words of affirmation and love. "Peace be still." "I am with you." "I will help you." "Come unto me."

Six years and 64 blogs later, Deb is glad she listened to these positive words. God's promises can strengthen our faith and give us courage to act.

Prayer: Guiding Father, help us to be attentive to your voice. Give us courage to act when we hear your call, in Jesus' name. Amen.