October 11, 2018 - - Colossians 4:2-4 - - Boldness to witness

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:2-4 NKJV

One of the things you have probably heard from the pulpit and from your church is: you must go and evangelize. You hear that and, if you are like me, you probably think: well, I am not like the Apostle Paul, so that doesn't refer to me. Think again. Read the passage again.

First, we are commanded to be vigilant in prayer.

Second, we are to pray for open doors, clear opportunities to speak the truth of Jesus Christ.

Third, notice what Paul says: pray for me/us that I may make the Gospel manifest--other translations have it: that I may declare the gospel boldly as I ought to speak it.

Even Paul needed prayer in order to declare the truth of the Word and the glory of Christ. So, pray to God, the better You know Him the more you will speak of Him in every day conversation with whomever you meet. Pray for clear opportunities, people who are needy and ready to hear the Gospel. And pray to be bold in speaking of:

God the Father Who is the Giver of every good gift,

Jesus in and by Whom we have the gift of life that never ends

the Spirit Who lives in believers so that the blessings of God will never be removed from us.

Forgive me, God my Father, for all the excuses I make as I try to get out of speaking about You. Instead, Spirit of the Living God, remind me again and again of the rich blessings that are mine in Christ so that it is my joy to speak of You, O God, everywhere and anywhere I am. Give me holy boldness to speak to the people whose hearts You have already softened so that they are ready to hear the Good News of Jesus. Amen.