Sharing Your FaithSample

Feeling scared to share or not confident? We have all been there as Christians. Maybe God has put in on your heart to pray for someone or share something with someone, and you fell short. The good news is there is grace and power he wants to give you to have the boldness to proclaim his love. We see this in one of his disciples, Peter, who denied Jesus three times to people he met!

Here is the story that speaks of this:

"So they arrested him and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there. A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally, she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!” But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!” After a while, someone else looked at him and said, “You must be one of them!” “No, man, I’m not!” Peter retorted. About an hour later someone else insisted, “This must be one of them, because he is a Galilean, too.” But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly." (Luke 22:54-62)

We have all been Peter, but the good news is that his story doesn't end here. Jesus restores and forgives Peter the next time he sees him, (John 21:15-17) and he also promises to empower both Peter and the disciples. Jesus told Peter and his disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Peter was scared and not bold. But, when he received the Holy Spirit, this is what was said of him: "The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

The keys to being filled with the Spirit are asking daily for it (Luke 11:13), getting in God's word, (John 6:63), and giving thanks for all things in prayer (Ephesians 5:18-20). If we do these things, we can be confident in receiving and walking in the Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to you as a child asking that you fill me afresh with your Spirit. That I would walk in the power and authority that you have given me. From this place, I will share your gospel and teachings with those you guide me to do so with. Holy Spirit, lead me to share your words and love with others this week. In Jesus name, Amen!