Tuesday, March 8 – Acts 4:29-30

“And now, Lord, look at their threats and grant it to Your bond-servants to speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

 

There are times in life that make us want to give up. Whether it is a bad grade on a test that makes us want to leave school or rejection from a friend that tempts us to give up on people, we have all faced the moment where we are on the brink of quitting. If there was ever a moment to be at the brink of quitting, it was the moment in today’s passage. Peter and John were put on trial and rejected by the council. They were told to stop what they were doing after an amazing wonder of God took place. Instead of giving up, after reminding themselves of who God is, they surrendered their struggle to Him and asked for more boldness to continue in the calling He had given them. They asked for more confidence and trusted that God would continue His work through the Holy Spirit.

 

At this moment, we are reminded of the disciples’ humanity. Just like you and me, they were likely intimidated by putting themselves out there again. And they didn’t ignore the fear they felt; they pressed into God with it. In their prayer, they stated the reality they were facing and asked God to equip them to continue to follow Him and preach the gospel. They beautifully trusted God in their time of struggle. Because of who God is, they were able to joyfully pursue what might cost them their very lives. This may feel far from where you are in your faith today, but it doesn’t have to be. God is faithful where we are. You, like the disciples, can tell God the part of your faith or life where you are struggling and ask Him to work and to give you confidence and boldness through His Spirit at work in you. God is faithful. The question is, will you trust Him? Lay your fears and burdens down at His feet in prayer, believing He will answer and equip you.

 

• What are some reasons we can be confident in God?
• What is one thing in your faith that you have been struggling with and need to bring to God in prayer?
• Pray and lay down your burdens and fears to God. Ask Him to grow your confidence and equip you as you follow Him.