GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO DECLARE THE GOSPEL
Paul and Silas had been severely mistreated and jailed in the nearby city of Philippi before coming to Thessalonica. Yet that did not cause them to be timid in sharing the Gospel. For God gave them courage to declare “His Good News” to them boldly.
When we’ve been hurt or harassed for telling others about Jesus, it often has the effect of causing us to remain silent. Perhaps even the thought that people would make fun of us, or reject us, discourages us from declaring the Gospel. But when we are obedient to open our mouths, God is faithful to encourage and embolden us in declaring the Good News, so that sinners are saved by hearing and believing. Our conviction that the Gospel is the very power of God unto salvation, makes us bold (see Rom.1:16).
Overcoming the spiritual opposition to sharing the Good News, we realize the reality of the battle for men’s souls. In order to receive God’s encouragement for gospel-sharing, we must actually open our mouths to speak. It’s at that precise moment of obedience that we feel His Spirit supporting us and making us bolder.
PRAYER: Dear Father, give us courage today to overcome spiritual opposition. For we often feel too distracted or too overwhelmed to tell others the Good News. Yet we are convinced that Your power to save is found in the gospel alone, therefore we cry out to You for encouragement and strength. Help us to stand for You this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.