Romans 12:12 New International Version (NIV)
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
What are your hopes and your dreams in life? Do you pursue them? Do you chase after them? All of these questions have been said. It is important that we keep them in front of us.
With hope come fear in most cases. We will hear doubts and fears from the enemy, the devil. It can come from people, family, and at times the ones closest to us.
I can remember when the Lord place on my heart to step into full-time ministry. The enemy quickly brought up fears into my mind. These puts downs ran through my mind. You did not do very well in school. You stumble over your words when you speak. You have been divorced. Sometimes you spit when you are speaking fast and passionately. All of these ran through my mind, and I had fear and doubt.
Then the Holy Spirit reminded me He would help me overcome the fears, and I was to put my hope in Jesus Christ. I was told that I am the son of the living God, and with that will come position.
Being in full-time ministry is not easy. I thought there were challenges in the construction world. In ministry, the struggle is usually with people, yet Jesus has called me to feed and care for his sheep and to know them by name.
Men, there are always risks involved in anything you do. Live in your hopes. We serve a God who put that hope in your heart. Do not let fear distinguish your hopes and dreams in life. Put your hope in Jesus Christ.
Strength and Courage
Michael