I don’t have a problem expressing my thoughts and being vocal about my opinions on social media. I can draft up what I want to say, rephrase it once or twice, then post it. But a phone call to a total stranger of high stature, especially about a ministry project I wasn’t confident about? That scared me. I needed to make sure I had all the information I wanted to say. I need to have the right tone. I need to be prepared to be rejected. I didn’t know if the conversation would be pleasant or strained. It was a lot of worries and fears of the unknown. I must admit, that made me feel insecure. I had been putting off making the call, and I had almost forgotten about it. And I am in my sixties!

That morning, as I was reading the first four verses of Romans 14, verse 4 stood out for me, “Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” (NKJV).

Paul was admonishing his listeners to receive those with weaker faith. Had I been like that, inconsiderate of those whose faith I found “weaker” than mine? For sure! Then the focus turned on me. Am I not the person of weaker faith? I didn’t even have the courage to make a phone call for this ministry project our Bible Study group has been developing.

“To his own master he stands or falls.”
I should not worry about being judged or rejected by others. I am accountable to God alone.

“Indeed, he will be made to stand.”
It’s a promise, a declaration, that I will stand strong. If this ministry is of God, it will not fail.

“God is able to make him stand.”
God will give me the ability to stand. God will provide the direction.

So I made the call. No answer. No voicemail either. That meant I had to call again. Really?

Surprisingly, an hour later, the person returned my call. As I swiped my phone to answer it, I thought, “Yikes! What will I say?” As it turned out, we had a wonderful, fruitful conversation!

God fulfilled His promise. I stood strong — humbly, but strong. God gave me the words to say. God prepared the heart of my listener. God gave me the ability to stand strong. God is faithful!

What about my attitude towards those whose faith I think are weaker than mine? After this experience, I have a totally different view about that!