They Could Not Quit

Hi Friendly people,
    Thinking about Katherine Kuhlman today. She was starting to preach one day and a man came up, shut her bible, and escorted her off the stage. Those same people would change their theology if they were healed at one of her services. She would be to them like this sunflower in the rays of the sunshine. God is not afraid of the imperfect; the problem is, we are. She persevered and pressed toward her calling in the face of great obstacles; she layed down her life, completely.

    I came across this scripture and thought of David, Elijah, Joseph, Jacob and so on, who have all faced the fear and dishonor of men; even though they confidently knew they were called by God to do great things.

Jeremiah  20
V7 Then I said, O Lord, You deceived me when you promised me your help. I have to give them your messages because you are stronger than I am, but now I am the laughing stock of the city, mocked by all.
V8 For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, Because for me the word of the Lord has resulted in reproach and derision all day long.
Living Bible
V8 You have never once let me speak a word of kindness to them; always it is disaster and horror and destruction. No wonder they scoff and mock and make my name a household joke.
V9 And I can't quit! For if I say I'll never again mention the Lord- never more speaking His name-then His word in my heart is like a fire that burns in my bones, and I can't hold it in any longer.
V10 Yet on every side I hear their whispered threats, and am afraid. "We will report you ," they say. Even those who were my friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. " He will trap himself," they say, "and then we will get our revenge on him."
V11 But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior, and before Him, the Mighty, Terrible One, they shall stumble. They can not defeat me; they shall be shamed and thoroughly humiliated, and they shall place a stigma upon them forever.
New American Standard
V11 But the lord is with me like a dread champion; Therefore my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed because they have failed, With an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten.
He goes on and on, even to curse the day he was born. He's not alone though is he. Think back to Elijah running from Jezebel. Read the blog " Fear of Man "
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David too has a similar cry.
Psalms 31
V13For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; while they took council together against me, they schemed to take away my life.

The disciples had a whole different view on persecution it seems. They were warned of the cost and accepted the terms, laying down their lives.

Matthew 10
V16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.
V17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the courts, and scourge you in their synagogues.

  Katherine Kuhlman was divorced, a woman who had made some mistakes. I can almost hear the people saying about her, "She can't preach, she's been divorced",  "She heals by Beelzebub",  "God would never use a sinner to do great things like this!" The Pharisees always have something bad to say, especially when there is a great move of God. When I need a dose of encouragement I look back to her life and know God touched a life like hers, for a life like mine. He didn't promise the road would be easy or that the fog would clear for us but did promise He would lead us through it.

                                                        Never give up, Never give in !