The Key to Being Bold
February 26
Read Ephesians 6:19-24
...and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Reflect
How comfortable are you with sharing your faith and standing up for God’s truth?
If the idea of sharing your faith with others has you nervous and overwhelmed, you aren’t alone. Many Christians report that they want to share their faith with others but they aren’t really sure what to say or how to say it. They want to defend their faith and knock down arguments that people make against God but they are worried they will end up over their head. Some people are just worried about what other people think so they don’t talk about their faith at all.
But friends, in the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matthew 28:19). And He also said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels” (Luke 9:26). We are commanded to share our faith with others. We are warned not to be ashamed of Jesus or His teachings but to boldly share them with the world.
Paul was an “ambassador in chains.” He represented Christ everywhere he went and for that, he was arrested and locked up. And yet, he did not stop sharing the Gospel. He knew that he would likely be killed for preaching Christ crucified and resurrected, but that didn’t stop him.
Is anything stopping you from boldly sharing your faith? If so, pray and ask God to give you the courage and confidence to proclaim His name. Even better, do what Paul did and ask others to pray for you as well. Ask them to pray “that words may be given” to you and that you may “declare it boldly.”
Whatever you do, don’t stop praying - for yourself and for all of the other saints. Prayer is what enables us to work in the power of the Spirit. We cannot accomplish anything for the kingdom in our own power. Once we understand that the power does not come from us and that the battle belongs to God, we don’t have to be afraid. We can boldly proclaim the Gospel and trust any outcome to the One in charge.
Pray
Lord, I want to be an effective ambassador for You. Please give me the courage and the confidence to boldly proclaim the Gospel. I know that it is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). I don’t want to be ashamed or afraid to share lifegiving news to those around me. Amen.
~ Pastor Nat Crawford
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