Testify to the Lord 

   Peter and some of the apostles were standing before the Sanhedrin, having been arrested for preaching in the name of Jesus.  They had been ordered by the Sanhedrin to never again teach or speak in His name but had ignored that order.

   Peter spoke for the group, “We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree.  God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.  We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5: 29 – 32).

   This was the same Peter who had abandoned Christ when He was arrested; the same Peter who had three times denied even knowing Him.  What changed?  Why was Peter now so outspoken when facing those who had forced the crucifixion of Jesus?  He had to know they could just as easily have him and the other apostles killed as well.

   What changed was the Holy Spirit, the One who brings courage even to the weakest of us.  We may not be brave enough to stand before our accusers and boldly testify to the name of Christ, but the Spirit can give us that strength.  He can make spiritual heroes of us no matter our human weakness.

   Jesus said, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.  You will be given at that moment what you are to say.  For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matt 10: 19 – 20).

   If I were called to face imprisonment or even death for my faith, would I have the courage to stand up for the Lord?  I pray that I would though I can't be certain.  However, the Holy Spirit knows what needs to be said.  If I submit myself to Him, He will give me the courage to say it.