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The Holy Spirit gives faith and strength to die for Jesus’ name.
“Then Paul answered, ‘What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’” (Acts 21:13)
Before Jesus was arrested, Peter said self-confidently: “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) However, reality turned out differently. When Jesus got arrested, Peter denied Him out of fear for his own fate.
Years later, the apostle Paul made a similar claim. He was also ready to go to prison (which he actually did several times) and even to die for the name of the Lord. What is the difference?
Peter trusted in his own strength. Paul did not. He had learned a valuable lesson: his own weakness made room for Christ’s strength. Therefore he even said, “I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The difference between Peter and Paul was not a matter of personality. For after being baptized with the Holy Spirit, Peter also received the strength to suffer and die for Jesus’ name.
This power of Christ, working through the Holy Spirit, enables people to do the impossible. The Spirit gives them faith to persevere, knowing that their lives are safe in Jesus’ hands, even when their earthly bodies are threatened and killed.
Do you trust that your life is safe with God? How did this trust develop?
About this Plan
The Lord Jesus went back to heaven after His resurrection. But He did not leave His followers alone. He is with them every day through His Holy Spirit. This reading plan shows you how this Spirit gives believers the strength, comfort, and help they need daily.
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