“For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid, I am here to help you.” (Isaiah 41:13, NLT)

“Could you use some courage?

We need to remember that the disciples were common men given a compelling talk. Before they were the stained-glass saints in the windows of cathedrals, they were somebody’s next-door-neighbors trying to make a living and raise a family. They weren’t cut from theological cloth or raised on supernatural milk. But they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid and, as a result, did some extraordinary things.

Earthly fears are no fears at all. Answer the big question of eternity, and the little questions of life fall into perspective.

(from Grace For The Moment, by Max Lucado, page 234)