Have you ever had the feeling of intimidation? Have you ever been afraid to say or do something because of your fear? When I was younger my mom said, “Be Bold!” She said to ask neighbors if they needed yard work done or snow shoveled. I didn’t feel comfortable doing that. I felt nervous and intimidated to do so until a neighbor came to say that his mower was getting fixed and since I did a good job on my parent’s lawn could I cut his lawn for pay. I accepted.
I realized I shouldn’t be intimidated and what I had to offer was of value. I was able to realize 15 fruits of my labor in the form of 15 one dollar bills and had no fear moving forward by offering my services throughout the neighborhood and beyond. My Dad and Mom were proud of me. They knew I had it within me to be bold. They were there to guide me every step of the way.
Jesus said that we would be witnesses. Not just how we live our lives, but telling others about the wonderful news of how He came down to be with us. How He came to live a perfect and sinless life. How He came down to comfort us and die on a cross for the sins of the world and give us life eternal.
Some of you may be nervous about the charge the Lord is giving you. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV).
Jesus told His disciples when they gathered in a large room that He was going to leave and return to His home to be with His Father. He wanted to assure them that they wouldn’t be left alone. He told them you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and when you receive it, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Jesus called them to have bold faith making disciples. He’s calling you to have “Bold Faith.” No matter how intimidating it may seem. No matter how frightening you may feel. God left us His Holy Spirit to help guide us every step of the way in our “Bold Faith.”
Resource(s): Personal Bible study, the story resources and the Bible (NIV)
