Now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. – Acts 4:29
Have you ever questioned a decision you made, thinking that it might have been better to do something differently? Sometimes your decision can be a crossroad in your life, a determining factor in your path for the future. It was just that situation in the lives of Peter and John. The Jewish leaders in the Sanhedrin had arrested the two apostles and commanded them to cease speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus.
Once released, Peter and John went directly to their friends to report the events. They “lifted their voices together to God” in prayer and praised Him as Sovereign Lord and Creator God. They asked Him for boldness to continue to speak (Acts 4:23-30). They didn’t ask for relief from the persecution, but rather that they would have more courage to be resolute in their work for the Lord. There was a crossroad decision in the history of the Church. If the apostles had acquiesced to the demands of the Sanhedrin, God would have secured away, but Christianity would have a different story.
It took courage and commitment to be witnesses for the Lord, to endure hardship, beatings, imprisonment, and even death, yet remain focused on spreading the Gospel message. Those with hardened hearts, some in service to this nation today, may continue to rage against the name of Jesus. Pray that the Lord would provide the strength you need to speak boldly, with cheerfulness and faithfulness, and prepare the hearts of others to receive His message. Seek God in constant prayer.
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