Hope for Transformation Sample

The life of the Spirit is not an inward-focussed life. God’s purpose for our lives is much greater. He has left us with a mission: to be His ambassadors in reconciling the world to Himself. As the Disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they were changed from fearful men and women into people who made a bold stand, often at great cost. God used them to change the course of history. The same Holy Spirit is available to us today.   

The fear that we feel can be overcome by the Spirit of boldness that God has given us. I still feel afraid when I start spiritual conversations with new people, or when I bring it up again with close family or friends who have rejected it before. I fear rejection, but each time I choose to trust the Spirit and exercise the boldness He is growing in me, I feel joy that I am joining in with God as He reveals Himself to that person. 

Sometimes we feel like we can’t be used by God in this way, because we don’t know enough, or we don’t know what to say, but there will always be questions we can’t answer yet and situations where words seem to fall short. Joining in with God isn’t about how much we know or how eloquent we can be; it’s about God working through us. Fear can be overcome, love can be demonstrated, and the good news about Jesus’ death and resurrection can be expressed when the Spirit empowers you. 

We might be excited to go and share but then become discouraged if no one believes. Maybe we think we are doing something wrong, or the Spirit isn’t empowering us. But that’s not the case. Peter and Paul both preached in the power of the Spirit, sometimes seeing people believe, other times being beaten or imprisoned. Success in talking about the good news is like success in delivering a letter. Don’t measure success in how people respond but in how faithful you are to Jesus’ command to be His witness. 

Reflection

What opportunities to talk about Jesus might you have today? 

Thank you, Lord, for giving us a part to play in your plan to rescue the world. Help us to share the message not just with words but with the power of your Spirit at work. Give us boldness, patience, clarity and love as we offer good news. 

Congratulations on completing this Hope for Transformation plan! We hope it has encouraged you. If you'd like to read an article on rising above the monotony of the ordinary or to connect with us on social media, find us at Hope for Transformation.