“God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled” (2 Tim 1:7).

We live in a fear-based society. We hoard our wealth in fear of scarcity. We build fences and walls in fear of people we don’t know. We even coerce and manipulate the people we love because we fear vulnerability. Rarely do we pause, pray, and respond. Instead, we either react impulsively or freeze up altogether.

The early church, by contrast, did something pretty incredible. When the defenders of the status quo amongst the Jewish leadership threatened Peter, John, and the apostles to stop preaching the gospel, the church got together and, instead of getting angry and plotting a coup to take over control of the Jews, instead of getting scared and squashing the news of Jesus’ resurrection— they prayed!

“…Lord, take note of their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with complete confidence” (Acts 4:29).

The whole group of believers were of one mind as they prayed for courage. God answered their prayer by shaking their gathering place, filling them all with the Holy Spirit, and empowering them to keep sharing the gospel with boldness (Acts 4:31).

There are two things we can be sure of. One— we will certainly face some type of threat in the future. Two— the same Holy Spirit who guided the early church will encourage and empower us when we respond to threats by pausing and praying for courage.

Dear God, so many things are beyond our control. It can be scary to face the challenges that threaten our individual lives as well as our faith community. Lord, please pour out your Holy Spirit upon us so that we will be empowered to respond to the world around us with courage, love, and self-control. Amen.