In Acts 14:3 KJV, it says this about Paul and Barnabas, “Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”
You read a lot about Paul in the New Testament. From his days as Saul, who persecuted the Christians to his conversion and then becoming Paul the bold Apostle. Over and over you read of his boldness. To be bold is to to freely speak, growing confident and showing assurance is that which you speak of. In other words, when Saul had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus to persecute the Christians, He encounter something that He never had before in his life. And, it made such a HUGE difference in his life that He had no doubt in his mind the power of God Almighty. He grew more confident each day of what God could do in the lives of people. Why? Because Paul had been on the other side of this…He called himself the chief of sinners. He was killing Christians every chance he could when God got a hold of his life and changed him completely. So, he took his ability to be bold and began to use it for the Lord. Paul plugged himself into the power source of God’s power and glory and began to illuminate the paths of those around him. And, God used him to make a difference in the lives of many. He used him to many signs and wonders. You know, we serve the same God today. He has not changed. May be it is about times that the Children of God began to pray that God gives us the boldness of Paul. To be able to go and reach people making a difference.
Another great Apostle that comes to my mind this morning is Peter. Peter loved Jesus…but yet he denied even knowing Him when He was crucified. But, Peter realized the error of his ways and repented. And, from that point he remained connected to God. God used him to preach on the day of Pentecost. That was the turning point for the church. The power of God was poured out and ignited the soul of Peter. Peter became on fire for God and set out to reach those around him. In Acts 5:14-16, it tells of what a day in the life of Peter was like, “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” People lined the streets hoping that even his shadow would fall on them and they would be healed. The would come to him by the multitudes and every one of them were healed! Talk about being connected with the power of God!
Men like these knew the power of prayer in Jesus name. They knew that there was no other name under heaven that could save the people. The knew without a shadow of doubt that God was capable and willing to heal and touch the lives of those around them. And, they boldly went forth in Jesus name and made a difference! The only way something like this is possible is to remain connected to the power source. You have to have that connection to allow the current to flow. And, being completely dedicated and consecrated to God in every area of your life is the key to maintaining a powerful prayer life. It has to be all or nothing. You can’t be “patty cake Christians”…coming to church n Sunday morning and maybe on Wednesday to “play patty cake” with Jesus. You have to be dedicated and consecrated completely.
My desire is to make a difference in the lives around me. God puts people in our path every day that need Him. And, if we are in tune with Him…we will know who they are and He will gives us the boldness and the words to say to reach them You may say, but I am shy and I can’t just walk up to someone and talk to them. No, maybe YOU can’t…but God can. Let HIM be yours hands, feet and your mouthpiece. When we become so dedicated and consecrated to the point that a holy boldness comes over us…we will be used to many signs and wonders just as Paul and Peter were used. ♥
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