Peter was one of Jesus’ chosen disciples. You might know Peter as the guy who walked on water with Jesus. He had a few anger issues and cut off a guy's ear once. Oh, and he once denied even being Jesus’ friend and follower three times. Peter was far from perfect.

 

Yet, we see a different Peter now in Acts 2. Immediately after the events in the upper room, Peter gives his first sermon and thousands of people were saved. What changed? Peter was now filled with the Spirit.

 

Peter had never given a sermon before. This was his first one. And it wasn’t just to a small group. THOUSANDS of people were in Jerusalem in town for the day of Pentecost celebration. Can you imagine how terrifying it would be for Peter to give a whole speech, his first sermon, in front of all those people?!

 

But remember Peter was not operating alone anymore. Peter was not doing it through his own strength. Peter was a different person now. The Holy Spirit had come to fill Peter and he wasn’t the same anymore. The Holy Spirit gave him the dunamis (power, strength, ability) and boldness to share the good news of Jesus and thousands of people gave their lives to Christ.

 

As humans we are naturally afraid. We might be afraid of speaking up. Afraid of what others will say or think of us. Afraid of rejection. Afraid of saying the wrong thing. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

 

When you don’t know what to say or how to say it–the Spirit of God is your helper. When you don’t know what direction to take–the Spirit of God is your guide. When you don’t have the strength to keep moving forward–the Spirit of God is your power.

 

Just like Peter, you are not alone. When you are filled with the Spirit of God you no longer operate in your own power, strength, or ability. Of course, you must do your part in seeking God’s direction through the Bible, prayer, and good counsel. The Holy Spirit takes care of the rest.

 

You are not called to just sit on the side lines. You are called to live boldly. The truth is the enemy wants you to be quiet. He wants you to live a quiet life because If the enemy can keep you quiet, he can keep you ineffective. If he can keep you quiet, then he keeps you from doing things for God and his kingdom.

 

Speak out loud for God. Be bold. Let God use you to further his kingdom. If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, show it. You were born to be bold.

 

Don’t walk in fear. Walk in boldness. You are called to be a witness for God’s glory. The Holy Spirit is on your side.

 

REFLECT: What has made you walk in fear and timidness? Are you bold in the way you express your faith? Do you struggle to live your faith boldly? What stops you? What helps you? Where in your life can you be more bold? Have you been walking in your own strength instead of God’s? How can you be a better witness of the Gospel?

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PRAY: Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you boldness to share your faith and to keep moving forward.

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ADDITIONAL READING: Acts 2:14-47; 2 Timothy 1:7-14

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Take a few minutes to think about this and write your thoughts down in a notebook or notes app.