09:59.

From Next Wave.

Isaiah 54:4 'Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.' (NIV)

The phrase 'do not fear' or 'fear not' is mentioned more than 60 times in the Bible. In fact, it is one of the most often repeated phrases in the word of God. So, it's obviously important from God's point of view that we learn not to be afraid. In an age of terrorism, where fear is used as a major weapon for manipulating public opinion and shaping international relations, learning to trust rather than fear can be a difficult thing. Yet, it's essential if we're to truly explore the power of faith and arrive at the full inheritance of influence that God has in store for us. The interesting thing about this great promise in Isaiah is its context. The verses just before this one relate God's instruction to his people that they should expand the place where they live, the realm of their influence. The people are told to stretch out to the right and to the left. They're instructed not to hold back, to position themselves for a new time of expanded impact on the people around them. Then comes this powerful promise: as you believe for this influence and position yourself to receive it, you won't be embarrassed, humiliated or put to shame. As you start deliberately sticking your neck out and looking for greater influence, you won't be left looking foolish. In fact, any shame you suffered earlier in your life will be completely forgotten. You just won't even think about it any more, because of the greatness of what God is doing in and through you in this new season of growth. We've all been through trying times, seasons where perhaps every part of our lives seems to be on trial. During those times, we've known that it's important to response well and with a faithful and gracious spirit, but it hasn't been easy. Never mind, the Lord says, your day is coming! You will not ultimately be disgraced -- your faith will be seen to be vindicated. So, don't be afraid. Keep working for greater influence to honour God's name, and watch him turn the trials into triumphs.

Prayer: 'Lord, thank you for your promise that I will not be humiliated or disgraced if I live wholeheartedly for you, in faith. Help me today to work for even greater influence in your name, for your glory, knowing that you won't ever let me suffer shame.'