Wednesday April 10^th 2024

Today’s word is BOLDNESS.

Sometimes it is necessary to step out of our comfort zone. Sometimes to speak up when we are unsure. And sometimes this requires stepping out and speaking up in front of people who might openly criticize or oppose us.

No one likes to be criticized – and though criticism and correction should be done privately we all know that there are some people who feel more powerful by doing it publicly. Being called out or corrected in front of colleagues or friends is embarrassing. It makes us look bad professionally. In certain instances it is a detriment to our position, career, or relationship.

I am thinking of the scripture where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they spoke out about Jesus boldly.  In Acts 4, verse 31, we read “After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” [Take the time to read the preceding verses to get the setting.]

I am thinking of times when Paul was in jail – or threatened – and yet he spoke boldly about his faith and about Jesus and salvation. Look at Ephesians 6, verses 19-20 for instance: “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”

We may not find ourselves in such dire situations, yet we have to step out in boldness when others counter us about our beliefs. We must also temper that boldness with the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. For boldness alone can make enemies and get us in trouble. Boldness under God’s guidance can be a powerful witness.

So are there times when you have hesitated to step out or speak up? Are there times when you have felt the Holy Spirit nudge you to do or say something and you did not?

Pray for the guidance to know when to act and speak boldly. Let God do the rest.