Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (NIV)

When I was in grade 9, I had to do a report in front of my class. I began reading my report, and my hands began to shake, my breathing became irregular, and I ran out of the classroom. When I got home and told my mother, she made an appointment for me to see our family doctor. He gave me a note for my teachers that I did not have to speak in front of my class any more … and I didn't. For years, I battled my nerves, and I thought that I was going crazy at times. No one else seemed to have these problems. The family doctor told my parents, "What did you expect from two nervous parents?"

About twelve years ago, I really began to know Jesus through the Alpha program that was being run at a nearby church, after a friend suggested that I might enjoy it. It was very hard for me at first, but over the weeks, with a lot of help from the people there, I came to believe. I turned my life and my will over to God. I knew that I needed Him completely to run my life, and I haven't looked back.

I decided to make my profession of faith on an Easter Sunday. I had also decided that I wanted to say something to the congregation and the people from Alpha who had helped me. This is when my entire life turned around. I went up there, and the Lord took all fear away from me. Since that time, I always say "yes" when someone asks me to read or speak. I look out and see my friends.

The prodigal daughter has returned, and God has shown His immense love for me.

I hope and pray that any of you who are afraid of speaking or reading in front of anyone will gain some hope from this. Our church family is just that: family and very dear friends. God wants us to be brave for Him. All things are possible with Him.

During these times of tribulation that our world is going through, let us believe in the Lord; He will sustain us. Let us be a light unto the world that is so confused. Let us not be afraid to speak about what the Lord has done for us. He is right beside us urging us to go forth and be brave.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful gifts that You provide for us as we place our trust in You. We gladly serve You, Father, and we pray for Your guidance each step of our journey. Bless us, we pray, in the name our Saviour Jesus. Amen.

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About the author:

Marilyn Clark <marilynjclark1947@gmail.com>
Waterdown, Ontario, Canada
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