The power to be bold...

Sometimes life can feel like a maze. You think you know the way, it appears that everything is falling into place and life seems good. All of a sudden, something happens. You find yourself facing a road block, a challenge, a hurdle, or a closed door. It is precisely in those moments where we find ourselves challenged and God wants us to step out in boldness and faith.

Boldness is defined as confidence and fearlessness. If you're like me, after reading that definition, you feel like rolling your eyes and might be asking yourself how do you even get to that point? Your immediate thoughts quickly point out your flaws and shortcomings. I want to encourage you to look to God for your confidence.

In John 18:15-27, we meet a Peter who openly denies Jesus three times. Three chapters before, Peter had openly told Jesus that he would follow him even if it meant laying down his life (John 13:37). After Jesus is apprehended, Peter is filled with fear and is unable to keep his word. But something changes his life causing Peter to be fearless.

In Acts 4:1-15 we meet a Peter who is preaching the Gospel to whomever will listen and is performing miracles. The religious leaders are upset and throw Peter is jail, but that does not stop Peter from speaking the truth. Who is this new Peter that is willing to face anything? Allow me to point out some things that apply to us today and will help us live out our faith boldly.

First of all, Peter was an ordinary man who was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8). In other words, the Holy Spirit empowered Peter to live and speak in a way that would testify of God's power and love. In the same way, God empowers us to be bold. God has taken up residence inside of us (Romans 8:9). God's Spirit empowers us, strengthens us, guides us and enables us to do what we can not do in our human strength and wisdom.

When you feel like you're not good enough, like you don't have what it takes, remind yourself that you are God's dwelling and He will empower you. This truth helped me to see myself how God sees me and to stop comparing myself to others.

Secondly, when you live life with God-centered confidence others will take notice because of your actions. Actions speak louder than words. People can argue with your words, but they can not argue with your actions. In Acts 4:13, we see that Peter (and his companion John) stood with such confidence that the audience was fascinated with them. The audience was fascinated because they knew that these men were ordinary men. In other words, they had no formal training or theological degree. However, they had been with Jesus, and the people saw that.

When you spend time with Jesus, it will be evident. When you spend time with Jesus, you will be filled with a confidence that is fueled by God himself. It is a confidence that can not be extinguished by lies, fear, or circumstances. It is a God-confidence that will carry you through; even in the face of adversity.

Lastly, when you are powered by God, you become unstoppable. Acts 4:20 says that Peter and John "could not keep quiet about what they had seen and heard." The religious leaders wanted these men to stop teaching and speaking in the name of Jesus and so they attempted to threaten and intimidate Peter and John. However, no threat could stop these men.

Anytime you choose to live boldly, there will be opposition. The devil will strike in ways that will make you want to back down. However, by God's Spirit, you will make it.

Be encouraged. God's Spirit inside of us empowers us to live with confidence and boldness. Do not let past mistakes keep you from moving forward. Instead, be renewed by God's love and presence. Surrender your life to God. He is calling you. It is only in God that we can be who He has called us to be.

God bless you.