Good morning, friends,

In the fourth chapter of Acts, we see a prayer for and a demonstration of courage under fire. Peter and John have just been taken into custody for healing a lame beggar, and then preaching to the crowd there that the power to heal came from Jesus Christ. While before the authorities, Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” clearly communicated the Gospel, stating that Jesus Christ, whom they had killed but whom God raised from the dead, is the one who has the power to heal. He states as plainly as can be that “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (4:12)

Peter and John were released and reunited with their friends and the group “lifted their voices together” in praise to God, and they prayed a very interesting prayer. Most of us would probably have prayed that the authorities would stop persecuting them, or that God would take the hardship away. Instead, they prayed acknowledging God’s ultimate authority “to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” Then they continued, “Grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (4:29-30)

They prayed for courage under fire. Their deepest desire was not that things would get easier, but that God’s kingdom would grow, whatever the cost, and they wanted to be part of that growth process.

Friends, let’s be challenged and encouraged to stand firm with courage and boldness in the face of struggle, criticism, persecution and opposition. There is one ultimate message that must be communicated – the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for He is the only way for those we know to be saved. And WHEN our culture mocks us and disdains our message, let us “lift up our voices together” and pray for courage to “speak God’s Word with all boldness.” We will not back down. We will not shy away. We will not be silenced. May God’s grace so fill us that we have a Spirit-anointed courage to echo the words of Peter and John, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Let us pray this week for courage under fire, for God’s grace and Spirit to flow through us, and for the salvation of those around us who do not yet know Jesus.

Blessings to you this week as we press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Eric