Led by the Spirit: Journey Through the Book of Acts Part 1Sample

Day 6: Speak with Great Boldness

Have you ever wondered why the modern church does not seem to experience the Holy Spirit in such a powerful and inspiring way as what we read in the book of Acts? Perhaps you may feel a disconnect when you read about the dramatic stories in Acts and find them far removed from your own reality. Perhaps you envy and even yearn for what the early church believers experienced.

While the book of Acts certainly contains exciting accounts of the powerful move of the Holy Spirit, these very accounts usually happened in the midst of great opposition and challenges. In Acts 4, Peter and John were jailed and questioned by the religious authorities. It was in such circumstances that Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8) and boldly proclaimed the message of Christ to all who were there. The Holy Spirit’s work on the apostles was evident, for the religious authorities were astonished by the wisdom, courage, and eloquence they displayed by these ordinary men (Acts 4:13).

What was also noteworthy about this incident was the response of the early church upon Peter and John’s release. Instead of shrinking back in fear of greater persecution, they did the complete opposite. They asked God for more. They implored God for greater boldness and enablement to preach the Gospel. They recognized God as the Sovereign Lord over all creation and asked for greater power to do His work. True enough, God answered their prayers (Acts 4:31).

Our greatest need for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment comes when we realize our total inadequacy or lack for what God wants us to do. Perhaps it is not that God does not want to empower us like He did in the book of Acts. Perhaps we need to ask ourselves if we truly desire and see the need for more of the Spirit’s empowerment. After all, if we are comfortably serving God and cruising along in our lives, what need would we have for greater empowerment from God?

The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is needed when we attempt things for God that are beyond us or in daunting circumstances where our faith is tested. If we are faced with formidable challenges in doing God’s work and preaching the Gospel, we can take heart that we actually are best positioned to experience the Spirit’s empowerment as we trust in Him.

Reflect:

• How do you usually respond when you face challenges in doing God’s work or sharing the Gospel? What can you learn from the early church’s response through the prayer they made?
• Is the Holy Spirit challenging you in seeking His empowerment in an area of your life or ministry? Take time to hear from Him.