Day 16- Courage To Speak

Bible Reading: Acts 4:1-31

Can you relate to that class moment when a question is asked, and then you felt you knew the answer, but you didn’t want to have to speak. Or maybe you were simply second guessing yourself. Then someone else speaks up and says the answer that you had in mind and is now receiving all the commendation from the teacher, while the rest of you in class are being strongly condemned and insulted. 

Or again, sometimes, it’s not just a class thing. It’s life as a whole. It’s truth that you know but you second guess. Its knowledge and wisdom that isn’t always matched by a corresponding boldness.  Or sometimes it’s what to say that isn’t matched with the opportunity to say it.

We were created as speaking beings, because God has placed in everyone of us a life to be expressed and substance to be said.

However, we live in a world system that in many ways echoes what the disciples were told in our reading today:

They… commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus Acts 4:18 NKJV

Our world either tries to silence us in the audacity of giving expression to our faith, or lead us to compromise in what we say. I really believe that we cannot afford to be indifferent about that. We cannot afford to lose or to twitch our voice.

There is something about the Holy Spirit’s working in our life that gives us a boldness to speak. Everywhere in Scripture where people got filled with the Holy Spirit, there is an immediate mention of them speaking. It happens twice in our reading today:

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them… Acts 4:8 NKJV
…they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.  Acts 4:31 NKJV

There is  a connection between the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives and an audacity to speak. As people who have an understanding of a missional assignment on our lives, we really need this! We need the right words at the right place! We need the Holy Spirit-given inspiration and boldness to live and speak the truth.

…don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” Luke 12:11-12 NLT

Are you worrying about what to say or depending on the Holy Spirit?

God hasn’t called you to be a talkative, but I believe He has called you to be a distinct and bold voice in your generation and in all that surrounds you.  This is not about some bold personality type thing. This is about a working of the Holy Spirit in the believer. I don’t know about you, but I definitely want to end every day of my life with a deep fulfilment that comes from knowing that I gave right expression in every opportunity that God brought my way. I want to know I sent the texts and voice notes that I was supposed to. I want to know I made the calls that I was supposed to. I want to see the fruit of expression. I want to know that I didn’t live intimidated. I want to know that I didn’t distort truth or shy away from speaking it. I want the courage to speak even in a world that tries to intimidate me!

Something To Pray
And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear. Acts 4:29 ERV

Something To Do
Is there a friend or loved one that you know you need to share the gospel with, but you’ve been slacking on? Or is there any long standing conversation that you need to stand up to / initiate today?  Why don’t you lean on the Holy Spirit today and stand up to it. I’ll love to hear your testimonies about it at sycamore.church/pr