Being able to meet with someone on a regular basis has
helped me a lot. I am so thankful that I
have had the opportunity to meet with my dad more and learn from him. He has been a blessing to my life and I am so
thankful for his wisdom and insight.
Throughout meeting with and texting each other, my dad has
taught me a lot within the past few months. In one of our last conversations,
we were able to speak about fear. There
was an article published by Christianity Today, earlier in the year, titled,
“2017: The Year of Fear?” In the article it stated many things about all the
trials and tribulations our society is facing.
One question asked in the article stated, “How do we minister amid
terrorist attacks, racial violence, and the most polarized election in
memory?” This made my dad and I think
about all of the things we could do. My dad encouraged me to first work on my
foundation of Christianity and how to be an example for people who are fearful.
Fear can be a crippling force, and we must not let anxiety weigh our hearts
down (Proverbs 12:25). My dad encouraged me to continually read and examine the
Gospel because it is a never changing story of a never changing Savior. My dad
encouraged me to read Hebrews 13:7-9, which states, “Remember your
leaders, who spoke the word
of God to you. Consider the
outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and
forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds
of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.”
This made me think about how powerful God is and made me want to imitate Him
more. Jesus is the same forever. Instead of calling it the year of fear, this
made me think, why don’t we call it the year of faith. I want to be able to share the Gospel without
fear. As Christians, we must be able to
apply the Gospel to our lives. We cannot fold to the lies of enemies. My dad
said this, “I will not be afraid, what can mere mortals do to me.” This struck me and inspired me. I never want to be afraid to share the
Gospel. No one can hurt me. God holds
all of the power.
I am so thankful
that I have my father. He has encouraged
me so much. He has supported me so much. He has been one of the greatest
blessings to my life. All I can do is thank God for everything.
Caleb,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that your dad is encouraging you in this way. It sounds like your dad is an inspiring guy that knows a lot about the Bible. I think the advice he gave you is something that is important for everyone. I also think reading and interpreting scripture with a mentor is super beneficial. Many times it is easy to be afraid when spreading the gospel when you do not have all the answers. I hope you can continue to be bold in your faith and in spreading the gospel. Thanks for sharing.
Philip