Monday, February 28 – Acts 4:13

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.

Have you ever felt ill-equipped when you recognize the strength of someone else’s faith? It is easy to play the comparison game—seeing strengths in someone else and second guessing your own ability. When you feel this way, it is hard to do much confidently. In these moments it can feel overwhelming to share our faith with someone else or even come up with the words to explain the gospel out loud.

This is where we really see the difference the Holy Spirit makes. Peter and John were uneducated and untrained, not public speaking professionals, without a single course credit to equip them. The difference in their lives—what set them apart—was their relationship with Jesus. Throughout Scripture and history, God uses unexpected people. He uses the youngest, the smallest, and the unqualified for His glory. In the case of Peter and John, Christ was magnified because they were otherwise unequipped. The only explanation for something so amazing is God Himself.

Next time you feel overwhelmed at the task of sharing your faith with someone else, consider who has equipped you for the step ahead. He is greater than your biggest weakness or mistake, and as you come to Him, He will empower you for the next step. Peter and John did not enter this conversation with a well thought out plan. They did not know what awaited them but instead of worrying about what could be, they were obedient to the next step, right in front of them, trusting that the One who called them to obedience would equip them for it.

• After reading this passage, how do you relate with Peter and John?
• What is something in your faith that you have been convicted of but too overwhelmed to do something about?
• Pray and thank God for equipping you through the Holy Spirit when you come to Him. Ask Him to equip you and strengthen you as you take the next step in your faith.