John 20:19-31
It's shortly after Jesus' crucifixion as we start our reading today, and the disciples are in a locked room because they're fearful of the Jews. Now they are still together as followers of Christ, but they're laying low and afraid, and I'm guessing not entirely sure what to do. Then, Jesus appears and boy do things change. The disciples "were glad" (verse 20), encouraged and then empowered with the Holy Spirit.
So have you ever felt like the disciples? I sure have and sometimes I still do. Here are a few things that have tripped me up in the past: Being fearful about sharing the Gospel, uncertain about getting involved in a ministry at church or taking a leadership role over a project, or maybe I'm just not seeing what I expected in a circumstance and that scares me a little as I try to determine what to do next.
Whatever the circumstance, how can we push fear and uncertainty aside and draw on the Lord for enthusiasm, encouragement and strength to help us through? Tami W.