Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
We have been discussing the Believer’s Benefits of Divine Education, Boldness, and Courage. As Peter and John stood before the highest court of the land in their time, they displayed this Boldness and Courage in a dramatic fashion. They were unlearned and ignorant in the eyes of the High Priests and Pharisees, but filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke the words of their Divine Education.
Another similar account in history would be that of Joan of Arc. Joan was born in France to poor parents in 1412. She never went to school or learned to read or write. She worked taking care of animals and as a domestic maid and seamstress in the home of rich people.
Joan’s mother taught her many things, the greatest being her love for God and living a life obedient to Him. This is what would prove to be far greater than any formal education could ever offer Joan.
When Joan was just three years old, her country came under attack by England. The King of France (Charles VI) was insane, and King Henry V of England seized the opportunity to overtake the country, which he did, and the Treaty of Troyes was signed in 1420. However, two short years later, Henry died, leaving the throne to his infant son. This opened the door for France to regain its independence. But who would lead them out?
Joan of Arc was a young child, but she began to have visions from the Lord as He prepared her to be the one who would save her country. She couldn’t read or write, but God would use her in a mighty way if she was willing to trust and obey Him.
Joan’s visions became more vivid, and her purpose in life was defined through them. She would be the one to save her country! To make a very long story short, at the age of 17, Joan of Arc obeyed God and gained an audience with King Charles. She told him God wanted to use her to save their country. Thinking she was mentally deranged, the King had her examined by theologians who found her to have a sound mind.
King Charles gave Joan a suit of armor and a horse and allowed her to accompany the army into battle. She was wounded but soon returned to the front lines of the French troops. They won that battle, but there was more to come. As the war continued, Joan was thrown off her horse and taken captive, but under her leadership, France regained its independence. Joan never lived outside prison again. At one point, she was sold for 10,000 francs, tried, found guilty of heresy, and eventually burned at the stake.
At the age of 19, Joan of Arc died a martyr for Christ. She lived her life dedicated to God. There was nothing pretty about it. She had no formal education or material possessions, but she knew and loved God and wanted to be used by Him. We can be assured she is spending eternity in Heaven, praising her Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Joan of Arc's acceptance of the Believer’s Benefits of Divine Education, Boldness, and Courage would shape French history and the Body of Christ forever. What a testimony of obedience on the part of a young girl who had nothing in the eyes of the world but EVERYTHING in the eyes of God.
God wants to use you, too. Are you listening to His Call on your life?
His Call will.....turn the tide.....in your life.
Listening closely, Doreen
www.bettsministries.org
