You Never Know

“And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered and said, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.’” Acts 5:27-32

A Japanese schoolboy once showed his courage in a way that puts many of us to shame. He went to school in Nagasaki with about 150 other boys, and he was the only Christian among them all. He brought his lunch to school, as he lived at a distance. As he began to eat his lunch each day, he dared to fold his hands to pray, and ask a blessing on his food.

The lad had some enemies among the other boys, and they went to schoolmaster and accused him of “doing something in the way of magic.” the schoolmaster thereupon called the boy before the school and asked him what he had been doing.

The little fellow spoke up bravely. He explained that he was a Christian, and that he had been thanking God and asking Him to bless the food.

To the boy’s surprise, the schoolmaster burst into tears, and put his head down on the desk. He then looked up. “My boy,” he exclaimed, “I, too, am a Christian, but I was afraid to tell anyone. Now, with God’s help, I will try to live as a Christian ought to live.” The courage of that young man had brought conviction to the schoolmaster, had provided him an example, and had given him a new boldness.

Remember - You never know what taking a stand for your faith might do. God can use you and will, if you will only be available.