“’Is not My word like fire?’ declares the LORD, ‘ and like a hammer which shatters a rock?’” Jeremiah 23:29 NASB

I came across this devotional that struck me as looked, this last Sunday, at how the disciples fled in fear because of the circumstances surrounding them, rather that trust the One who had the power to deliver them.  I’d like to share it with you…

            This was a BIG Sunday in Zaire as believers from several villages joined together to worship, sing songs, and baptize new converts. But to Brad Hill, a missionary from Evangelical Covenant Church, nothing seemed spiritual. Temperatures were hot, and mosquitoes swarmed everywhere. More than a thousand people packed the room.

            In these uncomfortable conditions, Hill found himself seated at the front. He had few expectations. Two hours into the service, the local Zairian pastor finally began to preach. He continued as the service stretched into its third hour. Finally, the pastor invited people to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. “In these horrendous circumstances,” Hill thought, “nobody could possibly have heard any life-changing words.”

            Then, a woman “struggled to her feet crying” and came forward. Soon, more responded. Hill eventually found himself “surrounded by people of all kinds,” all wanting to receive Jesus.

Hill realized how he had been dominated by the conditions. He admitted, “I was the one who had hardened myself against the Word.” Convicted, he stood along with the new converts, tears in his eyes. He witnessed how the Word “is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and how it can penetrate hearts in any condition.

            Don’t let circumstances prevent you from experiencing God’s power. Don’t limit Him. Step out in faith. Dare to believe!