Boldness to Believe

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit … and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel … that in it I may speak boldly.”—Ephesians 6:18–20 NKJV

The apostle Paul may have had a brilliant mind with an encyclopedia knowledge of God’s Word. He may have understood the political climate of the day and had a profound relationship with Jesus. But he also recognized his weaknesses and knew he needed God’s help to be a bold witness. This was a spiritual issue, something for which he prayed.

Paul specifically asked others to pray for him to be able to serve God boldly and be a bold witness. He was not just asking for assurance to speak the right words; he was asking for discernment, so he could deliver these words in the right spirit and with the maximum impact.

He knew even the most mature believers need a deeper faith to speak with conviction, to be bold and not tentative, to be confident and not halfhearted, and to be articulate and speak with clarity.

He would urge each of us to pray for this kind of boldness. We are to share our testimony with conviction, be free from doubts or worries, and be sure in our relationship with Jesus. Be free from the weight of sin, free from uncertainty, and free to let the Spirit flow through your life.

Today, ask God to free you from sin and anything that displeases Him. Ask Him to fill you anew with His Spirit so that you might be overwhelmed with the Spirit. Speak with authority, anointing, and confidence in Him, standing on His promises.

Reflection Question: What burden do you need to be free from?