The Courage to Change

The Courage to Change   April 16, 2024
Susan Vaughan Shumake

Acts 4:13-22
New International Version

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years ol

God give me
The courage to change
Move me beyond
The boundaries I’ve made
Give me the strength
To walk unafraid
God give me
The courage to change

God give me
The courage to change
To leave the comfort
of Your warm embrace
To leave the shadow
of this Holy place
God give me
The courage to change

God give me
The courage to change
To stand up for You
to boldly proclaim
To transform the Broken
To speak unashamed
God give me
The courage to change

God give me
The courage to change
To tread brand new waters
To battle the brave
Give me Your Voice
Bring dead back from the grave
God give me
The courage to change

God give me
The courage to change
To rise up to teach
To Believe and proclaim
To Heal the brokenhearted
With Miracles, signs & wonders in Jesus Name
God give me
The courage to change

Acts 4:29-31
New International Version

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Art by VANESSA HORABUENNA: The Courage to Change