SATURDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Observing the boldness of Peter and John . . . 

What a change from the events of Jesus’ passion! Was this the same Peter who stood in the shadows of the high priest’s courtyard, hoping not to be recognized? Were these the same men who, after the death of Jesus, huddled together in a locked room in fear for their lives? Now they were at a point—as they told the religious leaders—where it was “impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Where did this fearless confidence come from?

The events we’re reading about from the beginning of the Book of Acts come soon after the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. But while the gift of the Holy Spirit marked the start of a new way of life for Peter and John, it wasn’t a one-step process. Peter and John saw the Spirit at work when they acted on his promptings. They saw conversions, the formation of a community of believers, even miraculous healings. All this helped the disciples see the fruit of exercising their faith, and that built their confidence and helped them act even more boldly.

You have received the Holy Spirit too. If you want some of the boldness you see in Peter and John, try looking back on the lives of the saints throughout history to see how the Spirit was moving even before you were born. But make sure to look back on your own life too. Look for those times when the Spirit led you or answered your prayers. Then take advantage of the opportunities you have today to step out in faith and see the Spirit at work in and through you.

The more you see the fruit of exercising your faith, the more confident you become. When you see an answered prayer, you want to pray even more often. When you see a struggling friend open their heart to the Lord because you talked to them, you want to reach out more often. You become more excited at the prospect of acting in faith, more inspired to take a bold step.

Let the Holy Spirit build up your faith today and give you fearless confidence in him.

“Holy Spirit, make me bold in trusting you and sharing the gospel.”

Psalm 118:1, 14-21
Mark 16:9-15
Acts 4:13-21

WORD AMONG US