Afraid? Of That?

In Sunday school yesterday our teacher left us with quite the challenge. He challenged us to search our lives to see if we are really leaving a witness to every one we meet. When we go in and pay for our gas, or buy groceries can the person behind the register tell we are different? Or when we get the opportunity to “give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (I Peter 3:15) do we “tuck tail and run”? I find myself so many times afraid of rejection. I wish I could say with the Apostle Pail that “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). He read a poem written for the persecuted Christians in China that really challenged me. Some people face beating, death, and torture all for the sake of Christ. What do I face? Maybe scoffing, rejection, possible slander?
“Dear Lord, please forgive me for being ashamed of you. I want to ask that you would help me, your weak servant, to overcome my fear of man and give me the courage to boldly proclaim your name. Amen”

Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit's glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Savior’s face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace,
The glory gleam from wounds of grace,
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
A flash - a crash - a pierced heart;
Brief darkness - Light - O Heaven's art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid? Of that?
Afraid? Of what?
To enter into Heaven's rest,
And yet to serve the Master blessed?
From service good to service best?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not -
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid? Of that?