We all recognize Martin Luther King Jr. as a prolific speaker and a key founder of the civil rights movement, but many don’t know that he almost didn’t pass a public speaking class.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a bright and intelligent man. His intelligence was evident when he entered seminary school around thirteen and then enrolled in high school only to skip the ninth and twelfth grades. Immediately after, he enrolled in Morehouse College at fifteen without ever actually graduating from high school.

After graduating Morehouse with a B.A. degree in sociology, he enrolled in Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. It was while attending Crozer Theological Seminary that he received a C+ in public speaking. Despite this, he continued to move forward with his life’s mission.

Eventually, his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech delivered at the March on Washington became the catalyst for much-needed change and equality.

The Bible is full of similar stories of men and women who’ve stumbled but got back up to accomplish their God-given missions. They didn’t let set-backs keep them from achieving their goal. They had the assurance God was with them every step of the way, and he gave them what they needed to see it through.

Daily Directive:

Answer and Journal the Following

Read:

Read and meditate on Exodus 4:1-16. 

Pray:

What is God calling you to do, and are afraid or unsure about how to do it? Be real; be honest.

Meditate / Make It Real:

Pray and ask God to give you the courage and strength to carry out His will for your life. Be specific.

Share / Show:

Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.