Do Not Be Afraid of Them, for I Am With You
Sharina Aya Z. Gorospe from Quezon City, Philippines
When I received the truth in the Church of God, I was so happy and joyful, and being confident that this is the true church which people must go to, in order to receive salvation. I wanted to become a great prophet and preach to many people—to whomever I meet. But I was often intimidated because of my age and what I would look like. Everybody always mistook me for being an elementary student because of my petite body and baby-face look. I was also slow-witted and didn’t speak well. So I wondered, ‘Will people listen to me and be convinced in what I say?’
While I was in distress because of this matter, one of my branches, who led me to the truth, showed me the following verses:
“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak, I am too young.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young,’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Jer 1:6–8
Aha! Yes, God is with me. Why should I worry? I shouldn’t be afraid of anything. Like the prophet Jeremiah who was called by God, I, too, was called by God to preach this truth to all nations.
Whenever I encourage myself to become bolder and more fearless in preaching, I read this Bible verse. Now, although my physical appearance hasn’t changed at all, my fervor to preach to everyone in this world has gotten stronger, whether they are presidents, professionals, or high-ranking people. Although there are many people far greater than me and I only look like a child to them, I am no longer intimidated but fearlessly preach the truth to them. What I preach is the sole truth that all people need for their salvation. If I step back and do not go to them, they can’t be saved because they haven’t heard of this truth. How pitiful! To finish the mission Father and Mother has given to me, I will boldly preach to all people around the world our truth and Savior in this last age. I am not eloquent or don’t have much talent, but as God had asked me to not be afraid, I will not fear anything.
I will always hear the voice of Father and Mother say, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.”