What Holds You Back?
Devotion 107, page 289
“Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42–43, NKJV).
REFLECTING ON JOHN 12:42–43, we confront a fundamental question: What restricts our actions?
In this passage, some leaders believed in Jesus but concealed their faith due to fear of the Pharisees and potential expulsion from the synagogue. The fear of losing human praise outweighed their desire for praise from God.
This narrative encourages us to ponder what holds us back from openly expressing our beliefs and faith. Are we too fearful of societal judgments or potential repercussions to stand firmly in our convictions? It beckons us to evaluate our priorities, emphasizing the significance of God’s approval over human validation. Let us examine our fears and choose a path guided by faith rather than anxiety about what the world may say or do.
How frequently do we refrain from engaging in our strengths due to fear, or perhaps we avoid taking a stand because we anticipate backlash from others? It’s vital to make the choice to approach Jesus with our concerns and leave with the assurance that God will shield us as long as we remain aligned with His purpose and adhere to His guidance.
A Call to Action
Let’s commit to making bold moves and moving forward rather than remaining stagnant out of fear.
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