And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
Peter and John just had their lives threatened by the Religious Rulers. They were told either they stop preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, or they would face the consequences. And in bold fashion replied with “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20 More or less telling them they weren’t going to stop.
When they released them, they went back to the other Believers and told them everything that happened and what they were told. Immediately they began to pray for boldness to continue preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. As they went on they prayed Scripture from the Old Testament asking God to stretch out His hand of healing and performing miracles so that others would see Jesus and accept Him. And the Word tells us that God heard and will answer their prayers by shaking the room and filling them with Holy Spirit.
God responds to the believing heart and loves to answer His own word. So next time you feel dry and can’t come up with the words to pray, open your Bible and look for verses that speak about what you are dealing with. You know you are pleasing God and blessing Him. In return He will give you confirmation. and work in ways that will bless you. Be bold like the first disciples and watch Him go to work in all things.
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