They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people…Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene…” – Acts 4: 7-10

Before Jesus was arrested by the elders, He famously told Peter that before the rooster would crow in the morning, he would deny Him three times.

And when Peter was asked if He followed Jesus, out of fear, he instinctually denied Christ. Immediately after his third denial, the rooster crowed and all of a sudden he remembered Jesus’ words.

Scripture says that at that moment, Peter and Jesus locked eyes briefly before he ran away crying bitterly.

Peter might have cried for hours as he was full of shame, remorse, and regret.

But at some point, he must have recalled Jesus’ instructions for what to do when He was gone:

And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said. – Luke 12: 11-12

When Peter was questioned by the priests after healing a crippled man, he was no longer the fearful and cowardly man he once was.

The Holy Spirit had come and filled him with boldness to fearlessly proclaim that the healing was done through the power of Jesus Christ, whom they just crucified.

The priests commanded him to stop preaching, but he dared not stop.

He was flogged and even thrown in jail where the Holy Spirit released him in the middle of the night.

His transformation was truly remarkable and miraculous.

And it’s so wonderful to know that no matter what state we’re in, whether we’re living in fear, depression, anxiety, addiction, hopelessness, loneliness, heartache, shame, regret, etc.- the Holy Spirit can completely transform us!

So we must invite the Spirit to dwell within us every day and teach us how to live abundantly and boldly in Christ.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, I pray that you would send your Holy Spirit to do a powerful work in me. Fill me with boldness and light a fire inside my heart to do the will of God in the name of Christ Jesus. Fill me with your grace and supernatural power so others will take notice and give their lives to Christ. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.