Up against it
by Georgie Schuster
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Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness (Acts 4:29).
Self-preservation is a natural instinct. A typical first response to a threat is to back away, keep safe and survive. But that is not what was happening here.
Pre-Pentecost, the disciples kept to themselves, out of sight and worshipped God in seclusion. But when they were filled with the Holy Spirit, everything changed! They came out from behind closed doors into the full view of everyone – to those who would receive their message of God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus and those who would do anything they could to shut them down.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples continued what Jesus had begun, teaching, healing and pointing people to the truth. Their priorities had changed. Their identity and security were firmly in their Lord and Saviour, Jesus. His promises anchored them; his mission took precedence over their own lives.
But it was no picnic. The disciples were up against it; the opposition would be relentless. Peter and John had just come from spending a night in jail and being threatened and questioned by authorities. So, what did they do?
They prayed! They presented their circumstance before God and asked him to help them continue speaking his word with courage and confidence anyway!
God granted their request. Once again, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to share God’s word boldly!
God knows already that we can’t further his kingdom in our own strength. We were never meant to. But as we remain in his love with our identity secure in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the possibilities are endless!
Dear God, you already know that some days are just plain tough. Remind me again of the love and security I have in you. Holy Spirit, help me be brave and bold and share the Father’s love with those you show me today. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Georgie Schuster lives in Adelaide. She loves getting out into the country to experience God’s creation. Georgie likes taking photos when she can. After teaching for many years, she now enjoys working in a church/school setting where she still gets to share stories about Jesus with children and families.
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