Emboldened By God

On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.  1 Thessalonians 2:2

When we study Scripture, we see many mighty men of God who shared the Gospel Message with boldness.  Would you consider yourself to be a child of God who boldly shares the Gospel Message with those God has placed in your path?  Prayerfully ask God to place a spirit of boldness in your heart so that you can carry the Gospel Message to this lost and dying world. 

In Acts 16:16-40, Paul and Silas are in Philippi.  Here, Paul and Silas were severely flogged and thrown in prison.  When the doors of the prison were shaken opened and the chains came loose, Paul and Silas continued to share the Gospel Message with the people.  These men had boldness that could have only come from Jesus Christ.  When faced with difficulties, we too can have boldness that will enable us to continue to share God’s Message of Salvation. 

Paul and Silas knew that the Gospel Message has the incomparable power to change lives, destinies, and destinations.  These men didn’t just think it:  they knew it deep in their souls.  Paul and Silas were carrying forth the Gospel Message.  They were living it and willing to die for it.  Nothing was more important to them than sharing Jesus with others.  Is sharing Jesus with others important to you?

We too will face difficulties when we choose to share Jesus with others.  We may not face a physical flogging or get thrown in a prison cell, but we may face a verbal flogging.  We may be criticized or ostracized.  Will you be willing to get back out there?  Many choose not to.  Don’t let Satan win the battle.  He had rather us be wound-lickers instead of warriors.   Almighty God will give us the strength we need.  Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  The power we receive from Jesus Christ is sufficient to do His will and to face the difficulties that will arise as we share the Gospel Message with a lost and dying world. 

We also see boldness exhibited by Peter and John in Acts 4:1-21.  Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin. Through the power provided them by the indwelling Holy Spirit, they were able to boldly proclaim the Gospel Message, the Salvation Plan.  Acts 4:13 tells us – 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.  Spending intimate time with our Savior and LORD will provide us with the boldness we need to share with others.  Never neglect your personal time with Jesus.  Attending church, corporate Bible Study, sermons on the radio and the TV will not take the place of our personal time in prayer and the reading and studying of God’s Word. 

Prayerfully ask God to give you the words to share with others.  Ask Him for boldness to share His Salvation Plan.  Ephesians 6:19-20 – Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should. 

Dear Heavenly Father, place in our hearts a concern for this lost and dying world.  I pray You will fill us with boldness to share Your Salvation Plan with others.  In Jesus Name I Pray…..Amen