Fearlessly Faithful

23/3/2021

A Reflection on the First Reading for March 28th, 2021:
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Isaiah
50.4-7

The servant of the Lord said: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens — wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught. The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.

“I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

“The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.”

Pause. Pray.

And then read more...

“The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced…”

This reading is a beautiful example of what it is like to be a faithful servant of the Lord and a leader to others. It can be so difficult in our everyday environments to live out our faith fearlessly and unapologetically. There are many times when our example of faith will be met with criticism and judgement. Because of this, we may decide not to express our love for God in certain settings due to the fear that our peers may not view us in the way we would like them to. I know I have experienced this fear many times, and have then hidden the part of myself that desires to praise the Lord always. To some extent, it is only natural that these feelings would arise. But, if we ask, the Lord will give us the courage to overcome them.

This scripture emphasizes the importance of listening to what God has to teach us. I am certainly bad at this at times! It takes a lot of effort and intention to take some still, silent time for listening. I find it so easy to get into a pattern of listing off all of my woes and desires to the Lord and then ending my prayer immediately. But, it’s so important to make an effort to learn from God. If I make an ask of Him, I also need to be willing to patiently await His response. I find that when I do take the time to really listen, I feel so much more connected in my relationship with God and confident in the decisions that I make through Him.

When we build these connections and deepen our trusting relationship with God, we receive the powerful reinforcement that we will never be disgraced or shamed through Him. He will be with us and will help us always. There will be opposition to your example of faith, but the Lord is stronger than that opposition. Although others may try to put you to shame, you will never be put to shame in the eyes of the One who has, and always will, love you.

I desire to live my life with the amazing confidence in God that this “servant of the Lord” has. Lord, help me to listen and always seek you, every day. Amen.

Megan Noye

4 Comments

Alana

23/3/2021 08:41:49 am

Amen Megan! Thank you so much for this beautiful, sincere, reflection. Your words are so clear and honest and speak right to my heart. I’m grateful to God for you. 😊🙏🏻💕xo

Lori

27/3/2021 08:58:49 am

I too, desire to live in the confidence of the Lord, Megan, and your words have encouraged me to do just that.

Lisa Matheson

27/3/2021 10:20:26 am

Thank you Megan for this reflection. I love this line:
“There will be opposition to your example of faith, but the Lord is stronger than that opposition.”
This is so true. How many times have I thought to myself before a meal with friends that I’d really like to say grace. Then fear grips me and instead I say a silent prayer in my heart. But it’s true, the Lord is stronger than any opposition I may face. Lord, help me to be bold and fearless when sharing my faith with others.

Paula Collins

27/3/2021 10:51:29 pm

This is a beautiful reading about confidence to me. Confidence in God and confidence in ourselves to live our faith out loud. Megan you captured this very well and inspire me to keep God first in all things I do.