Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13.
 
Faith and confidence are related but different things. Confidence is faith expressed in attitudes, words and actions. So, it’s not good enough for us to have implicit faith. We must have explicit or expressed faith. That is confidence. It’s the same concept as boldness.
 
We cannot be impactful, fruitful and influential believers if we entertain timidity or fear (see 2 Timothy 1:7). That is why I love the apostles’ example in Acts 4, when they stood before the Sanhedrin. The authorities were convinced that Peter and John had been with Jesus by their boldness or confidence.
 
Likewise, our Christian testimony and light will be credible when our lives exhibit a holy confidence. That means being able to stand up for what we believe. We must be bold enough to speak up when it’s called for. We must not be undercover Christians. We must not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16).
 
For instance, I remember back in the day when I was a youthful Christian. My mates would boast about their exciting adventures over the weekend. Then they would ask about my weekend experiences too. I admit initially I would be tempted to think my religious “adventures” did not measure up. Then somehow my confidence would rise up from within and I ended up seizing the opportunity to share the Word with everyone. So, I learned from experience not to underrate my spiritual adventures. Over time I discovered that other clandestine, hesitant or shy believers would also come out of hiding!
 
Beloveds, let us do away with all timidity in our prayers, interactions with fellow believers and unbelievers. Many Christians have learned how to pray confidential prayers, but they haven’t learned how to pray confident prayers. I think of the latter as Mark 11:24 prayers-mountain moving, confident prayers. In such prayers you stand in faith and authority and command situations to change in the mighty name of Jesus.
 
Don’t be afraid to share your testimony in church from time to time. Even if you’re naturally an introvert, let the confidence of Christ shine through you. Don’t be a prisoner of your personality. Let your light shine. Don’t he ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Pray for your spiritual boldness and confidence to shine through from today onwards.
 
Pastor Josh