First things first…if you didn’t read part 1, go check it out here.
Having boldness is something that I feel like is a big struggle for many people. God has been teaching me so much while I’ve been on the Race about having boldness. I have been reminded of the book of Acts and the multiple times that the apostles were arrested for preaching the name of Jesus.
“And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to your rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.’ ”
Acts 4:18-20
“After calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
Acts 5:40,42
Our team was given the opportunity to go to a youth meeting and give testimonies and a message. After praying about it, I decided to preach the message. I had no idea what I was going to talk about, but I knew that God wanted me to take this step.
There were a couple hundred students there that night. Students were singing and dancing and some shared a word from the Lord as well. Then it was our turn. Christina, Jacob, and Daniel shared testimonies and Andrea played a worship song. Then I had 20 minutes to share a message with these students. I could truly feel God speaking through me the whole time. I didn’t even follow the notes I had written! It was an amazing experience!
I believe that God gives us opportunities every day to act in boldness for Him. These opportunities don’t just happen on the Race. I can remember times back in the US when I had the opportunity to share Jesus with people and I didn’t. I also remember times when I did share and the closeness I felt with the Lord afterwards.
We have people in our everyday lives that need encouragement from the Lord. But how often do we have the boldness to take those opportunities? It’s time that we (including myself) walk in the authority that Christ has given us as children of God.
