Nougat 19

Siblings

For me, there is no part of the believers’ prayer that is as critical as what we’re about to read. It is The Defining Moment of their prayer. That was the substance of their ‘ask’. You can determine for yourself as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.

Acts 4:29 CEVDCI

[29] Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message.

Make us Brave

The believers were fully conscious of what could happen next. They had seen it done to Y’shua. There was no doubt that it could happen to them. They knew that persecution could result in death. They believed in the resurrection power, but they needed to overcome the fear that could so easily cripple their faith and result in disobedience. For them, overcoming fear required divine intervention.

Self-Check

Do we seek Godly intervention when we are fearful?

Application

The believers were anointed. They were appointed. And they had been sent by God’s Spirit. The evidence was not a distant memory for them. It was probably still being spoken of in their homes and communities. For those who were with Jesus that last time before Pentecost, memories of His commission would remain with them – ‘You will be my witnesses …’ (See Acts 1:8). That constituted their personal inheritance from Y’shua, a promise that they would testify about Him. Not only was it their inheritance, but it was also their promise to Him.

In the face of persecution, the true test of their faith came – would they be willing to speak up for Him? In response, the community prayed for courage.

That’s something we all need in these times. Whether it is at home, at school, at church, in the workplace, or in the wider community, situations will arise that require us to look past the insecurity, rather, look beyond our fear and vulnerability. It may not be easy. Living and speaking for Y’shua isn’t always only about our own lives and circumstances. Standing up and being faithful can sometimes be on behalf of (or in defence of) others. In those moments, we may also need a top-up. That is, a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit.

It requires that we are honest enough with ourselves and with God to seek that level of supernatural courage. We already have access, since Y’shua promised that when we ask in faith, it is already done (see Matthew 21:22 and Mark 11:24). I guarantee it – God’s Spirit will definitely fill us with courage to face adversity when we ask. We only have to keep our eyes focused on Christ, not the situation.

Point to Ponder

Is courage something we ask God for regularly? Why/not?

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May all we seek be found in Christ