Authentic Boldness

True boldness for evangelism doesn't come from psyching myself up for the 'task' or working myself into a passionate frenzy.

Though educating myself with some witnessing how-tos has been helpful, information in and of itself doesn't bring boldness either. Authentic boldness comes from a true understanding of my salvation and from a living and growing relationship with God.

Paul calls Timothy to an unashamed witness by reminding him that God "saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace" (2 Timothy 1:9). Now THAT is amazing grace!

This grace-filled work began in us the specific moment we first put our life in Jesus' hands, but it also continues every day as God willingly makes himself known to us.

That is why Paul could say with confidence, "I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day" (2 Timothy 1:12). We can actually know the God who has"destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10).

Are you experiencing growing confidence to share Christ by walking intimately with him?

_Dear Jesus, I don't want to just know about you... I want to really know you. I ask that you would increase my boldness to share how amazing your grace has been to me with others who need to experience it too. Amen.

Throughout this Day: Look for an opportunity today to share how good God’s grace has been to you. Mediate on this verse and ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).