Acts 4:13 
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

DAILY READING –  • Romans 9:30-10:21; 1 Samuel 19; Psalm 64

God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. [1 Cor. 1:27].

On August 5th, 1876, a rusty ocean steamer headed towards the mouth of the Calabar, carrying in it a young white woman. Her name was Mary Slessor. She was headed to a land mostly unexplored; where killer lions, mosquitos, swarms of insects, witch doctors, cannibals and evil traditions  dominated. To foreigners it was a land known as the White Man’s Grave. In this land twin babies were cruelly murdered, and their mothers driven to die in the jungle. As Mary Slessor headed towards this land of slavery and evil practices, she did not know what her fate would be, but she had unshakable faith in God.

Only 3 years earlier, in 1873, the news had come that the great explorer and missionary to Africa Dr. David Livingstone was dead.  Mary, then twenty-five years old, wanting to follow the footsteps of Dr. Livingstone, had applied to go to Africa as a missionary, Having been raised in poverty and hardship, working 12 hours daily in the mills since she was 11 years, she felt prepared for whatever hardship Africa may bring. Her only great desire was to preach where other missionaries had not been. 

As the ocean steamer brought her to  Calabar, Mary would begin working as  a missionary among the most savage tribes of the hinterland. She lived among these natives and practically singlehandedly tamed and transformed three pagan communities in succession. On her long trips through the jungles and in canoes, she was often found barefoot, carrying in her arms twin babies whom she had rescued from being murdered. Her missionary career was marked by strange adventures, daring feats, signal providences, and wonderful achievements. From an ordinary factory girl, Mary Slessor advanced into the foremost rank of missionary pathfinders. 

The life of Mary Slessor, is a glaring example of what God can do with anyone who would believe and step out in faith. Goers for God are getters for God. We often have great dreams, aspirations, really great things we want to accomplish for God. But the truth is that many times when we want to step out, we are confronted by fear of the unknown. So many thoughts  and concerns assail our hearts. We wonder how these things could ever come to pass. But if Mary Slessor  could face the darkness of the African continent and overcome it with the light of God so can anyone strike out in faith and do the incredible. We  have to realize that it is not us but God working through us. 

Whatever assignment God has called us to do, will require boldness and faith to accomplish it. And the secret of boldness is being with Jesus.

Acts 4:13  says ‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.’

When we spend time with Jesus in His Word, boldness is imparted into our hearts. Knowledge of God is what causes us to do exploits. They that know their God they shall be strong and do exploits. When the Word dominates your heart you will be turned into another man. Your heart will receive an inoculation of Faith and boldness that will cause you to do extra ordinary things. 

In the book of Joshua When God was sending forth Joshua, He severally told him to meditate on The Word so as to be bold and courageous, to possess the land. Mary Slessor would often repeat, “It is not Mary Slessor, but God ..”

When we keep our eyes on God we will be full of faith and be dependent on His abilities. But to turn our eyes on ourselves is to be full of fear and uncertainty. When we put our trust in God and step out in boldness, the shackles of fear turn into shadows that fade rapidly away.  Faith is the answer to fear. It has been said, fear knocked and faith opened the door and there was no one there.

There is still so much God wants to do with our lives. There are territories to be explored and new chapters of exploits to be written. Therefore refuse to end up as another statistics. Dare to be different, dare to accomplish the extra ordinary by the help of The Spirit of God. It is God that works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. We are in a time when kingdom stars are rising. Don’t be left behind.  Determine to take your portion. Determine to stand out and shine for Christ. 
PRAYER: Lord, please grant me the needed wisdom and boldness to step out and  accomplish the extraordinary. I will not end my life’s journey in obscurity, by Your light may I be distinguished from my peers in Jesus mighty name.  
QUOTE 

The battle you are faced with today is a good warfare because God has already foreordained  victorious end for you. 

 [CULLED FROM THE BOOK SUPERNATURAL LOVE OF GOD]