Acts 4:23-31 NASB [23] When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. [24] And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM, [25] who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, ‘Why DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? [26] ‘The KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS Christ.’ [27] For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. [29] And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, [30] while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” [31] And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. …
Isn’t it interesting that they didn’t pray for more power or authority so that God could extend His hand to heal, and release signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. Because they were in Christ, they already had all the power and authority of Christ, and because of there union with Jesus they could use His name in praying for the sick and demonized. What they prayed for was boldness to speak God’s word of healing, and deliverance over people. As a result of their prayer the Holy Spirit filled them with a fresh filling, and the result was they began to speak God’s word with boldness. Remember, they weren’t asking for more power, and when the Holy Spirit filled them it wasn’t power they received; instead, it was boldness.
The boldness they began to walk in wasn’t a natural attribute; it was a supernatural act performed on them by The Holy Spirit, as a result of their prayer.
Boldness positions God to do the impossible through us. He loves to be cornered that way. It is bold faith that releases the authority, and power of God to heal, and to perform signs and wonders.
You might say that you are a rather shy person, so boldness is not really the lane you travel in, but this boldness that I’m talking about has nothing to do with your personality type; it’s is a gift from God. All you have to do is ask Him in faith to grant you boldness. If you do, the Holy Spirit will fill you with holy boldness. It might not be a building shaking experience, thought it might be, but if you ask in faith, I can promise you that shortly you will find yourself boldly advancing the Kingdom of God in healing, and signs and wonders.