Lk. 22:35 -- “And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.”
Sometimes when God calls His people to do something it can be a little scary. Though He promised never to leave us or forsake us, when we’re facing unknown peril in pursuing His will, the road seems a little less sure than it did before. This is illustrated in the following story of a pioneer preacher here in Georgia.
Abraham Marshall (1748-1819), son of Daniel Marshall, founder of the first Baptist church in Georgia, Kiokee Baptist Church in Appling, was saved at age 22 and called to preach. Over his lifetime he traveled thousands of miles and started many churches. But in 1772, when he was about 24 years old and at the beginning of his ministry, he had a fierce battle with fear. Abraham agreed to preach at a trading post 40 miles into the wilderness. As he thought about the dangers he tried to find an excuse not to go. He wished he was sick. He couldn’t find an excuse.
Then he remembered that he didn’t have a way-bill (pass). “While thinking on this, he was aroused as if he had been spoken to, ‘I will find you a bill.’ Filled with doubts and fears, he commenced his journey. When he had traveled about fifteen miles, it struck his mind, ‘It is time you should look for your way-bill.’ Casting his eyes on the side of the Indian trading path, about two or three rods [a rod is 16.5 feet], lo, there it lay! Instantly he seized his prize, mounted his horse again, these words saluting him forcibly- - ‘When I sent you without scrip or purse … lacked you any thing?’ [Lu. 22:35] No, was his answer, and he went on his way, strengthened in faith. When he arrived at his destined place on the Lord’s Day, a mixed multitude of Indians, Indian traders, Irish, and the uncultivated of all sorts, some of whom had never heard a sermon before, had collected together. To them he published the word of life. Some gazed, some wondered, and some felt the power of the word, were deeply affected, moved down a little lower in the settlements [nearer to civilization], and shortly after became useful members of a flourishing church. (Taken from the book Daniel and Abraham Marshall: Pioneer Baptist Evangelists to the South, written by Thomas Ray, pp. 81-82).
Abraham Marshall conquered his fear by obedience to God and by keeping his word. The Lord has His reasons when He calls us to do something. Stepping out on faith can be frightening sometimes, but He always supplies the need. Right now, in America, our national future seems unsure. But we Christians are told to be faithful unto death, and one thing is for sure: whatever God does down the road He will open a way for us to be witnesses for Him if we simply obey.
It may seem uncertain at times, but it is also exciting and rewarding! Let us serve the King.
