The Church at Prayer

We all have moments when we lack boldness. The more that I hear from people whom I consider to be bold, the more that I realize that boldness can be a struggle for everyone. Missionaries have spoken of fears when they have the opportunity to share the gospel. Pastors acknowledge fear when they step into the pulpit. Even the Apostle Paul asked the Ephesians to pray that he would have boldness. He felt the fear of man that might lead him to shrink back from the mystery of the gospel. He knew the fear that his message had caused the chains that he wore and might incite worse. But boldness doesn’t come from a lack of fear. Boldness isn’t found by conjuring up strength in ourselves. Boldness comes from God. That’s why Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him in this. And fear is overcome by faith. This faith finds ground in the promise that God is with us. It grows in the belief that God’s commands, especially to preach the gospel, are good. It’s a faith flowing out of obedience and an intention to follow Christ no matter the cost. We may not feel bold, but we can be bold. First, ask God for it; then trust that He’ll give it; then see what God does when we speak boldly as we ought to speak. – Pastor Rory