Boldness

2 Corinthians 3:12
Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold. (NLT)

When I was growing up in Rhode Island I suffered from a speech impediment. I stuttered badly. This led me to be fearful of stepping out in anything. I could not say my name without stammering through it. It made me feel inferior and certainly did not promote boldness on my part. Yes, there is a long story on how God removed that issue from my life, but I will keep that for another time.

Many go on today past their first twelve years of school to study in a specific field. They go to a college or a trade school to learn about it. Perhaps the field is Computer Technology. They spend time learning about computers from a historical perspective to using, programming, and perhaps repairing one in use today. They learn something new and then practice what they learned until they are good at it.

Once trained, they receive recognition of their achievement by receiving a degree or diploma. They also may have letters of recommendation from people successful in that trade. Then they are ready to go into the real world to use what they now know. The encouragement they receive from others coupled with the knowledge they have learned through study and experience gives them the confidence to boldly seek out employment.

What about our walk with Christ and the commission He has given each of us to boldly go and tell others about the Good News? Do we need to take the same path as we did for our employment? Some may think so. Many churches today have programs not unlike college courses to help us study and practice. They get us ready to share the Good News in much the same way we learned to become a Computer Technician. But it is not the same.

When Jesus came into our hearts because of our belief in Him, Father God sent the Holy Spirit to come into us. If we will only give Him control of our lives, He will instill in us the confidence needed to boldly go where most men dare not go. As we do, the Holy Spirit fills our mouth with what needs to be said. He anoints our hands to touch others with His love.