It is incredible how a person can change in just a few short weeks! I mean from a timid, unsure, self-loathing to courageous, confident, and assured. Maybe, you are praying for your husband/wife to change like this. Maybe your children? Don’t lose hope. The Bible is full of examples of men and women who had been radically transformed.

One example is Peter. In Acts 4, he and John stand before the council that decided to put Jesus to death and deliver a scalding and accusatory statement regarding who Jesus is. The council was stunned that they could be so bold (Act. 4:13).

But if you remember, just a few weeks ago, he denied Jesus to a servant girl who asked him privately if he was one of them. To a servant girl!!! Now he stands before the rulers and elders and tells them that they had put Christ to death and the only way they are going to be saved is if they themselves put their trust in Him!

What made the difference? It wasn’t so much knowing Jesus Christ. Because Peter knew who Jesus was before. He has seen Him perform plenty of miracles. He even confessed that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, which Jesus commended him for. But he still denied Him three times! So, knowing Jesus, does not necessarily make us bold. Then what does?

It is being filled with the Holy Spirit. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” (Act 4:8)

If you are having the hardest time sharing the gospel with your neighbors, coworkers, family members, it’s because you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you. Ask Him to make you bold. Desire Him. Yearn for Him. Ask for Him.

What we need is not better strategies. What we need is the Holy Spirit.

PH