Confidence

Story line: in the midst of persecution there is a good response: prayer. The result was an approval from God and the gift of confidence which they had asked for! The prayer is in stages: praise, God’s word, confidence in God’s will, ways and ability, request for confidence in the face of threats, request for miracles for others. God’s reply: a shaking, and an infilling of the Holy Spirit! Dictionary definition: Confidence is: full trust; belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing,belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities, self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance! Or a secret that is confided or imparted trustfully Biblical definition: the confidence of faith is: 1. Reliance on the trustworthiness of God – victory over fear it not of self! 2. The unity of the body – strength in weakness 3. The power of the Spirit – abundance of grace 4. The love for one another – encouragement in generosity The description here of revival is not of an event, but of a transformed lifestyle that promotes God’s presence among the people. The Roman emperor Justin demurred that the Christians took better care of the pagan poor than they did! How can we respond and grow in faith and confidence? Pray in a similar vein Be filled with the Spirit Be confident in witnessing and following Jesus Doing acts of kindness Medical bus Appreciation of Teachers; Police and Fire; National Guard Supporting the poor in our community (see: when helping hurts)