Power to Serve

But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Acts 4:28-29 NLT

There are some experiences in life that make your heart race. The activity might not be stressful in itself but in your life, it can be a major stressor. I learned to drive as an adult and it was a stressor in my life. I made the same mistake many women make: I allowed my husband to be my driving teacher. That did not last very long; I signed up with a driving school. My children never needed any driving instruction. One day I asked my older son to start the car. He turned the engine on, backed the car out of the garage and parked it on the street. Learning to drive: stressful for me but a breeze for my children.

These men were not afraid to preach the gospel. While they were on their way to the temple, they met a man begging for money. He was not begging because he was lazy; I’m quite sure there were no social programs to assist those with physical challenges. He needed food and clothes and this was the only way to provide for his need. Now if you have to beg to earn a living, the best place would be at the gate of the house of worship. So as Peter and John approached the temple, he asked them for money.”But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene get up and walk!” Acts 3:6.  The man was so happy he began walking, leaping and praising God.

You could imagine the uproar in the temple. People were astonished! They knew this man because he stationed himself at the temple’s gate.  When the crowd started to gather, Peter took advantage of this opportunity to tell the crowd about Jesus and the people believed what they heard. This angered the religious leaders. They threw Peter and John in jail and forbade to speak in Jesus’ name. The community of faith responded with prayer for great boldness to proclaim the word of God. They chose boldness over fear. There will be always those who want to silence your witness for Christ; don’t let them! Ask God for boldness. He will answer your prayer so you can share His word with boldness.

Thought for Today: Friend, don’t be intimidated; ask God for boldness.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.