{Joy Day 5} More Bold to Speak

{I’m very excited to share that Joyful Journey:  28 Days in Philippians is now available for the Kindle and Kindle apps.}

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.  And most of the brothers, having become more confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Philippians 1:12-14, emphasis added

As you watch the difficult times in others’ lives or experience them in your own, does it lead you to boldness in sharing your faith?   Johanna, our exchange student, was with us for the 9/11 remembrance service at our church and she spent a great deal of time that Sunday afternoon asking me questions about why God would allow that tragedy and why we choose to believe in a God that would.   As I shared with her my incomplete answers to those questions and also told her about my own crises of faith throughout my life, I began to realize that I’m not bold in sharing about the God who has saved me.  I tend to “wait for the opportunity to present itself” rather than looking for an open door.   I’m passive instead of bold.  Paul’s imprisonment led to the bold proclamation of others about the gospel of Christ.   What leads you to boldness?

Father, I confess my timidity even though I know You give me a spirit of confidence.  I confess my fear although You offer me courage.  I confess my weakness in spite of my knowledge of Your strength.  Forgive me for my lack of boldness … and cause my heart to long to share the gospel with those around me.   I leave behind prayers for opportunities and instead long for passion to speak  and a heart to be aware of the countless times You give me to proclaim my joy in You with boldness.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.