You think you have no fear?
I think you have just not been tested.
Testing will show whether you have fear...
This is something I've gleaned from chapter 18 of Rees Howells, Intercessor. "People may think they have no fear when really they have never been tested. I thought I would have no fear of going against the world and its opinions and that it was the easiest thing to be dead to it -- but it was the greatest error I ever believed. I had to be pulled through inch by inch; it was the process of sanctification, when the self-nature and all its lusts had to be changed for the divine nature (Romans 6:6; 2 Peter 1:4)."
God impressed upon Howells to take a "Nazarite vow" -- and not let a razor touch his head -- as he interceded for a friend's son. It brought disgrace to his family and parents, as he looked very unkept. People spread rumors about him, yet he felt called to silence. He didn't even clear up the rumors. That would be the hard part for me, I think. Knowing that I could just go downstairs, tell my parents that I had taken a Nazarite vow and would shave after a breakthrough in prayer occured, and then the rumors would stop. But he would have none of this. That takes a lot of patience and willingness to obey, I tell ya. It's one thing for people to believe a negative truth about you, but when they are believing a lie ... man, every fibre of my body would want to reveal the truth. It would be incredibly difficult to go through what Jesus did, too. (duh) To be falsely accused and punished for something He didn't do (declare that He would tear down a temple and other such things). All He had to do was stand up and speak up for Himself. To not do so had to take incredible restraint.
Sometimes following God can be a very lonely place. But what rewards can come from private and alone times with the Lord!
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at June 6, 2006 08:00 AM