Scripture: Luke 22:54–62

Devotion

Fear has a way of silencing our witness. As a new believer in college, I remember balking at an opportunity to share my faith for fear of being rejected by my peers. I didn’t want to be labeled as the “weird Jesus guy.” Like Peter in the courtyard, we often feel that same pull to distance ourselves from Jesus when following him might cost us something. In a world that’s often skeptical, or even hostile, toward the gospel, fear can make us hesitate to speak up, identify as followers of Jesus, or share our faith openly in the public square. That fear whispers, “What will they think of me?” or “Think of what you might lose.”  

But God has not called us to live lives ruled by fear. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (1 Tim 1:7). The Spirit of God emboldens us to live with conviction and love with compassion, even in a culture that pushes back.  

Peter’s story reminds us that fear does not have to get the final word in our story. The Spirit of God fills us as believers, enabling us to speak truth in love, to stand firm with humility, and to shine the light of Christ in a dark world. The Apostle Paul asked the church in Ephesus to pray for him saying, “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” (Eph 6:19). Let that be your prayer; that God would give you the courage and words to boldly proclaim the good news. Fear stalls momentum, but faith in Jesus propels it forward.  

A Personal Prayer

• Lord, fill me with your spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. When fear temps to silence my faith, give me courage to identify with you and share your truth with grace and boldness.

Pray for Our Neighbors: DeafGo

DeafGo is a ministry committed to equipping and sending Deaf believers to reach the unreached Deaf peoples of the world. Of the estimated 150–250 million Deaf people globally, only 2% know Jesus Christ—meaning an overwhelming 98% are missing out on the blessing of eternal life with Him. DeafGo seeks to change that by providing biblical resources, theological training, and church-planting initiatives in sign language, partnering with churches to raise up leaders who can share the gospel in their own heart language and culture. 

• Pray that Deaf believers would be empowered to share the gospel boldly so that more Deaf people around the world might come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 
• Ask God to provide the resources, partnerships, and training needed to equip more Deaf leaders and missionaries to plant churches, translate Scripture, and make disciples among the Deaf—one of the largest unreached and unengaged people groups in the world. 

Pray for the Nations: Global Workers | Warren & Alexandra*

Warren and Alexandra serve among a specific people group scattered throughout the Middle East, faithfully sharing the gospel and discipling believers in a region that deeply needs the hope of Jesus Christ. Their ministry focuses on language learning, relationship building, and strengthening a growing church to fulfill the Great Commission. 

• Pray for the community they serve to be receptive to the gospel and for the Lord to move powerfully through their witness. 
• Ask God to bless their progress in language learning and to strengthen the local church as it grows in faith and maturity. 
• Pray for the health and well-being of their family, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as they serve in a challenging environment.  

*Note: Names have been changed for safety.