Be Bold

Today’s Reading: Acts 4 

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.  Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Peter and John were two of the closest apostles that lived and were in close relationship with Jesus throughout his ministry, his death, burial and resurrection. 

So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. – John 20:2-4

These two individuals were with Jesus or in close proximity to him at the crucifixion. They were the apostles that went to the tomb on the day of resurrection. They also were able to interact with Christ for the 40 days after he returned to earth. Peter and John  are some of the most prominent apostles that we have. 

At the beginning of their careers they were somewhat timid and did not know how to use the gifts that were given to them. But here in the Acts, we see that they have gained this boldness that transcends understanding. The boldness that they received is from the Holy Spirit. It is after Christ ascended in the Holy Spirit came to them that they had this boldness. 

One of the best things that we have currently is the Holy Spirit is available to each at one of us. The Holy Spirit is God the spirit. The Holy Spirit is the same spirit that was at the beginning of time; the same spirit that was at the resurrection of Christ; the same spirit that was working through the apostles. The same spirit is what we have available to us if we open our hearts and our selves to the Holy Spirit.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, and we accept the Holy Spirit and understand that Jesus’ purpose was to bring the reconciliation of the Holy Spirit to us through his blood. We are able to use the same spirit to become bold in the things that we do. The things that we do for the spirit and for raising the connection in relationship with God to others.

There’s three ways that we can be bold  to show God’s love to others.

 

Bold in the preparation 

Bold in the asking

Bold in the doing 

 

 

Be bold in the prep

Whenever we’re doing something, we have to have the confidence that what we’re going to do will be accomplished. We have to be bold in the preparation. We have to make a statement and know that when we make a statement it will be completed. When we have doubt and questioning, then that allows us to get into the scenario and not allowing the spirit to be the main purpose in the scenario.

Be bold in the asking 

Many times when we are asking for things, we take a timid stand. We take a stand of shyness. When asking we have to be bold and asking and assure ourselves of what we’re asking. When we are asking God for clarity, or for understanding, or for health, or for financial peace, or for anything, we have to ask within the knowledge that He is going to provide it for us. We cannot be shy when we’re asking God for things. It’s not being arrogant or overconfident. We’re just asking with the understanding that our Father is going to provide for us the things that we need and he’s already given to us.

 Be bold in the doing 

One of the most important aspects of everyday life is the follow-through. Many times we can prepare and we can ask, but we do not have the follow-through. When we have the follow-through, we are doing the things that God has in store for us. When Peter and John were approached by this beggar in this passage, they were bold and what they could do and what they were able to do. They did not shy away from telling the beggar that they did not have money, but they did tell him they didn’t have money and what they were able to do. 

And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. – Acts 3:4-7

Many times we shy away from things that we can’t do and then we also shy away from the things that we can do. What we have to do is be bold in both. Be bold in our limitations and be bold in our strengths.  When we walk in the spirit, we can be bold without being overconfident or arrogant. We also can be bold at the same time being humble because we understand that God is using us to fulfill the needs and the wants and they ask of others.

As we go through this week, let us see how we can be bold in the things that we have. Let us see how we can be bold in the preparation and be bold in the asking and bold in the doing.