WEEK 9 DAY 2
Boldness in the Face of Fear
Devotional
Fear can be paralyzing. When we think about sharing our faith, many of us feel a knot in our stomach. What if I'm rejected? What if I don't have the right answers? What if I damage a relationship?
Peter understood fear intimately. Before the resurrection, he denied Jesus three times to protect himself. Yet in Acts 4, we see a transformed Peter standing before the very authorities who could imprison or kill him, boldly proclaiming Jesus as the only way to salvation.
What's remarkable is that Peter wasn't fearless—he was faithful despite his fear. Gospel boldness isn't the absence of fear; it's entrusting our fears to Jesus and speaking anyway. It's recognizing that the opinion of God matters infinitely more than the opinions of people.
When we develop a proper reverence for God—what Scripture calls "the fear of the Lord"—our fear of human rejection diminishes. This holy awe doesn't push us away from God but draws us closer to Him, giving us the courage to speak truth even when it's difficult.
Today, identify what specific fears hold you back from sharing your faith. Then bring those fears to Jesus, the safest person you could ever entrust them to.
Bible Verse
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness." - Acts 4:29
Reflection Question
What specific fears hold you back from sharing your faith more openly? How might entrusting these fears to Jesus change your approach to gospel conversations?
Quote
"Gospel boldness is not pretending that you're not afraid. It's entrusting your fear to King Jesus and letting him speak through you anyway."
Prayer
Father, I confess my fears about sharing the gospel. Thank You that You don't ask me to be fearless, but faithful. Replace my fear of rejection with a deeper reverence for You. Help me to entrust my specific fears to You today, and speak Your truth with love and confidence. Amen.
Fear can be paralyzing. When we think about sharing our faith, many of us feel a knot in our stomach. What if I'm rejected? What if I don't have the right answers? What if I damage a relationship?
Peter understood fear intimately. Before the resurrection, he denied Jesus three times to protect himself. Yet in Acts 4, we see a transformed Peter standing before the very authorities who could imprison or kill him, boldly proclaiming Jesus as the only way to salvation.
What's remarkable is that Peter wasn't fearless—he was faithful despite his fear. Gospel boldness isn't the absence of fear; it's entrusting our fears to Jesus and speaking anyway. It's recognizing that the opinion of God matters infinitely more than the opinions of people.
When we develop a proper reverence for God—what Scripture calls "the fear of the Lord"—our fear of human rejection diminishes. This holy awe doesn't push us away from God but draws us closer to Him, giving us the courage to speak truth even when it's difficult.
Today, identify what specific fears hold you back from sharing your faith. Then bring those fears to Jesus, the safest person you could ever entrust them to.
Bible Verse
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness." - Acts 4:29
Reflection Question
What specific fears hold you back from sharing your faith more openly? How might entrusting these fears to Jesus change your approach to gospel conversations?
Quote
"Gospel boldness is not pretending that you're not afraid. It's entrusting your fear to King Jesus and letting him speak through you anyway."
Prayer
Father, I confess my fears about sharing the gospel. Thank You that You don't ask me to be fearless, but faithful. Replace my fear of rejection with a deeper reverence for You. Help me to entrust my specific fears to You today, and speak Your truth with love and confidence. Amen.