Acts 18:9-11 - Then the Lord said to Paul in a night
vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be
silent. For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to
hurt you, because I have many people in this city.” And he stayed
there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
When my family lived in Connecticut, visits to the Mystic Aquarium were always an exciting adventure. It is a wonderful place where families can have a great time and
learn a lot about marine life. As families enter the main building the first
thing seen is a huge round glass tank filled with fish.
Once time when my family
was there, we noticed most of the fish were swimming the same way. But one lone
fish was swimming the opposite direction. It was odd to see. As we kept
watching, we noticed that lone fish was soon joined by another one. Now there
were two fish swimming the opposite direction. Suddenly, there were three, and
then four. All at once, the entire school pivoted and turned and began swimming
the opposite direction, following the lead of one solitary fish that was
willing to swim against the tide.
Witnessing the school of fish changing direction reminded me
of the influence that one person can have on those around him or her. When a
person first stands up for what is right, he or she is often alone. Then one or
two other people come along to support the original individual. Then a few more
come along to offer their support. Eventually enough critical mass is built up
for significant change to happen in a whole group of people.
We are living in an age in which Christianity is
mischaracterized, maligned, mocked and dismissed. But if we will stand strong
for our faith, we can influence many people around us. We must not be afraid to
be the lone fish swimming against the stream. God will bring others to help us.
In time we can witness a significant difference in our sphere of influence as
God works through a growing number of people willing to take a stand for what
is right.
Lord, give us the courage to stand for what is right and
holy, even if at first we stand alone. Amen.
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This devotional is from the book “Heavenly Mundane” by Dr.
Terry W. Dorsett. Dr. Dorsett has been a pastor, church planter, denominational
leader and author in New England for more than 20 years. He is a
happy husband, a proud father and adoring grandfather. He is a
cancer survivor and believes that God works powerfully
through times of suffering. He writes extensively and you can find all of
his books at:
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