Admiring Peter

"When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted." -Psalm 138:3
I WANT TO BE BOLD.
Tonight I got to thinking about how so many of us, including myself, try to fit in with whatever group, place, or situation we are in. Or maybe, not necessarily try to fit in, but we don't try to be different either.
So I thought, why try to blend in when God has made us to stand out?
I want to always speak with confidence.
"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"-Hebrews 13:6
Peter was bold for Christ.

But, before he was, he realized he denied that he knew Jesus. He felt so ashamed and couldn't even think that Jesus would ever forgive him.
Guess what, He did. Shocker huh? Man we are so lucky to have such a forgiving God!
Anyways, Jesus chose Peter to be the one who would lead many to the Gospel.
Imagine Peter's surprise.
Three days later, after Jesus ascended up to heaven, on the day of Pentecost, Peter boldly preached the Gospel and 3000 people were saved and baptized!!!
To go even further, no long after that, the Bible says, Peter & John were greatly disturbed while preaching the Gospel one evening and thrown into jail for doing so.
This is the best part though-
"many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about 5000."-Acts 4:4
Because we are children of God and accept Christ as our savior, we are going to face some trials from time to time, in our life.
Therefore, it is important that we choose to be bold and stand firm in our faith.
Trust in Him.
If God gives you the opportunity to tell the Gospel to someone, do not ignore it, you may never see that person again.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
How often do you pray about your boldness in proclaiming the gospel of Christ?
Most of us are so consumed by desiring "things" that forget to pray for opportunities, boldness, clarity, passion in presenting Christ to a lost world.
Tonight I realized how much I lacked about praying for my own mission of spreading the gospel.
I need the Gospel daily. I need to pray for boldness DAILY.
We could all learn a lesson or two from Peter.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for loving me. Forgive me for failing you countless times today. Please, rid me of myself and fill me with your Holy Spirit. You have shown us Your will through the Scriptures as revealed to our hearts through the Holy Spirit. You have called me to be bold, to be strong, and to be of good courage as I face daily trials. I pray that lean on your word as my guide and your Spirit to give me the strength I need to be a faithful and bold witness for the Gospel. Lord, give me a chance to share your life and your love with others. Use me. Jesus, enable me to be a person who strengthens the faith of others because my faith in you is shown strongly. Thank you for what you have done in my life, what you are doing, and what you are going to do. Praying for a bold spirit within your perfect future plans you have for me, Lord. I love you with all my heart.
Your daughter,
Lexi