Boldness

 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,

Acts 4:29 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/act.4.29.ESV

The Church was born out of persecution. Our Lord and Saviour was crucified by the powers that be. Why should we His followers expect to avoid persecution?

Naturally, we don't want to be persecuted. We don't need to invite it. Yet if we're faithful to God, we will inevitably be persecuted.

Jesus blessed the persecuted, for great is their reward in heaven. We shouldn't just want to scrape into heaven by the skin of our teeth. We should want to enjoy an undeserved reward for our Spirit inspired faithfulness to God.

Persecution was hotting up for the early church. Yet they didn't pray for it to stop. Instead, they asked God for the boldness to continue to faithfully proclaim Him, and He graciously granted their request.

'Dear Lord, grant us the boldness we need to stand for You in the face of opposition. May we share the good news of salvation in Christ with those around us, whatever the cost. For the glory of Your name, amen'

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