Day 11: Boldness - Praying for the 99

VERSE: “…and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20

DEVOTIONAL: The scene is set. The disciples are praying. Thousands of people have made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost. The disciples walk outside and are greeted with people from a multitude of nations. With the boldness given to them by the Holy Spirit, they begin to proclaim the Gospel! In another scene, a little while later, Phillip meets an Ethiopian eunuch reading from Isaiah. The Holy Spirit has led him there to share the Gospel as well.

In both of those events, we see the Holy Spirit move within believers to share the Gospel with those around them. It was not the believers’ responsibility to save the people, but to share the Gospel of Jesus, who can save them! They knew that through the power of the Holy Spirit, they could boldly share the truth. We can assume they did not care about rejection or not knowing the “right words” to share. Ephesians 6:19 says, “…that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”

Jesus calls us to go and share the Gospel with everyone. Yes, EVERYONE! It’s okay if you do not know the “right words” to say. Start sharing why you believe what you believe and share the amazing things that God has done in your life! If a question comes up that you are not sure about, tell them you will search the Bible and ask your pastor and get back to them. 

The reason most people are afraid to share the Gospel is because they feel as if they don’t know enough, or they fear being rejected. As we have seen in these verses, the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say and the boldness to say them when you ask for it! Rely on Him and His promise that when you speak His word, it will not return void. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Use this verse as you begin sharing the Gospel with your ONE.

 
PRAYER: Lord, help me be bold in my faith. Remind me that You will draw people to Yourself. Give me the words to speak and the truth to share when I have those conversations. Help me, as I walk with people, to be an example for them as I do life with You. Help me, Lord, to go boldly and share the Gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.