But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NLT)
There’s something about God’s presence that carries boldness and undeniable power. (See Acts 2 and 4:13.)
I grew up with an upstanding, loyal friend named Allan, who struggled immensely with one issue in particular: speaking to people. He was afraid to talk, and when he did, he would stutter and turn red, especially around girls. He seemed to feel better off staying silent.
But I’ll never forget the day he walked to the front of my dad’s church and, filled with the Holy Spirit, began praying aloud without hesitation. A radical change came over him. He suddenly could talk and laugh freely, and after that he began to teach people about God’s Word and share his faith openly. He was totally changed from that day forward.
Now, I’m not saying everyone who encounters Holy Spirit will experience such a sweeping change. However, know that when Holy Spirit comes into your life, His power isn’t weak, small or half-hearted—it’s bold and confident! That’s why today’s verse doesn’t say, “And you will be my secret service followers.” The power the disciples received from Holy Spirit empowered them to boldly testify like never before. The power and inspiration the apostle Paul received from Holy Spirit caused him to share the gospel courageously and relentlessly across the then-known world!
Interestingly, the original Greek term used for “power” in today’s verse is “dunamis,” which means power, strength or ability. Those are all accurate ways to describe what Holy Spirit brings to your life when you receive Him!