SPIRITUAL BOLDNESS IN ADVERSITY
- Key Verse
- "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence." (Acts 4:29)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
After praying, Christ’s followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and enabled to boldly speak God’s message in the face of opposition.
Reflections
As I read this passage, my heart went out to Peter and John and the others. I have never been one who relished the idea of public speaking, and especially to an audience that was hostile to the subject of my message. My early memories of these experiences bring back feelings of sweaty palms, and the blood slowly draining from my head leaving me with an overall “clammy” sensation.
My concerns were grounded in a two-fold fear, a combination of rejection and judgment, producing “butterflies” and a certain tightness in my gut, along with a slight tension headache. Further study of this passage brought forth the thought that these apostles in their similar circumstance might have experienced the same feelings and concerns! My desire was to “survive” the ordeal with the intent of steering the audience’s response in the direction of a favorable outcome. However, their response was to pray to the Lord and ask Him to make them equal to these challenges with boldness in spreading God’s message.
As my spiritual journey has progressed, I have learned that sharing the gospel, whether it be to a group or one-on-one, is not about me! It’s about spreading the “good news” whenever, wherever and however I can so that others might hear with a desire to become followers of Christ. Today I rely on the passage “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?" (Romans 8:31). I ask God to use me in a way that the outcome will bring Him glory! I still feel a little nervous speaking in front of a crowd, but now the “butterflies” are supportive allies!
Discussion Questions
- Was there a time when you were asked to speak before a crowd that was hostile to your subject ?
- Have you ever felt the presence of the Holy Spirit during a presentation? Describe what you experienced.
- Would you share your witness in a group that you knew included non-believers?
Julie Capranica Taylor
January 14, 2010 04:19 AM
Mr. Quinn...awesome devotion for today! Your honesty and humble words along with Romans 8:31 have given me strength for the day as I prepare to go to work. Thank you so much.
Cindy MacIlvaine
January 14, 2010 06:47 AM
I love it! The butterflies are supportive allies! I will remember that next time they come. Thanks Doug!
Jeri Stewart
January 14, 2010 01:08 PM
Doug, Your message is a great reminder that its not about US,its about the importance of spreading the gospel. Thanks.
Lynn Carpenter
January 14, 2010 03:06 PM
Doug, I really liked your devotional and certainly can relate to your personal example. God is the only One who can help us overcome our shortcomings for sure!
Steve Newland
January 17, 2010 06:14 PM
Doug, thanks for reminding us ....that it is not about us!