1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 – For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

Character and courage are what is needed in your walk with Christ. Paul had both of these qualities in his life. He preached the message of the gospel fearlessly despite great opposition, a direct result of the Spirit’s filling. If you are to be successful in your Christian walk here on earth, you will need to be just as dependent on the Holy Spirit as Paul was. Operating in the flesh will result in guaranteed failure, moving in the Spirit will lead to sure success. No matter the difficulty Paul faced in his life, he was always bold in his God! When Paul came to Thessalonica, the Gospel impacted a great many in that city, bringing many to a saving knowledge of Christ. So much so, that it brought a church into existence. Paul was not simply talking about a theory or a philosophy, but about something that worked in Thessalonica. The gospel walked down the streets of that city, and it got into the hearts and homes and lives of many it came in contact with.

Challenge:

Would you call yourself a bold person? Do you have a great confidence in the Lord? Listen, even if you do, you can always use more of both in your life! That is your challenge for this week, to be so bold in God that you embrace every opportunity that is presented to you. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal ways that you can share your faith in real and tangible ways. That person at work that you would normally avoid, be bold and go talk to them and ask them how they are doing. Your neighbor that you have been complaining about, pray and ask God to open an opportunity to befriend them and minister to them. Step out and be bold in the Lord and see what doors He will open for you and then walk through them in the confidence that He will both use you and be with you. The Gospel message is still as powerful today, as it was when the Son of God walked upon this earth changing lives and healing the lost and hurting. Be bold and be confident in the Lord this week. God bless you.