Bold Faith
‘For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.’
II Timothy 1:12
Is your faith worth dying for? Of course it is you say. We say we would die for our faith, but remember Peter said the same words and then denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.
Paul was in prison and awaiting death. He was recounting the cause for Christ that led him to persecution and distress and then imprisonment. He was writing to a young preacher named Timothy who was a close brother and friend to Paul. Paul wrote him to encourage the young preacher as he too would face persecution for his faith.
Paul was hated by the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. Even though he suffered persecution and waiting execution, Paul considered his call to preach the gospel a worthy cause. He never backed down from telling the truth of the gospel and never avoided speaking when he had a chance to share the Word of God with anyone. His confidence in the Lord produced a boldness that glorified God. His faith and hope in Christ fueled his efforts of winning souls and building the Kingdom of Heaven.
Paul’s knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ strengthened him daily but God’s grace is what kept him striving to endure the hardships he faced. Our knowledge of God’s Word and our strong faith in Jesus allows us the same opportunities to share the gospel with boldness. Never shy away from telling others about the good news of Jesus and always be ready to give an answer for your faith. It is during times of persecution and trials that people either coward down or boldly step up. Be prepared today to speak words of comfort to those who are suffering or lost.
Pray
Lord, give me boldness to speak my faith. When I fear persecution let me remember the words of Paul and not be ashamed. Thank You Jesus, for giving me eternal life.
