1 Thessalonians 1-2:16

     As I was reading through this passage, one attribute of both Paul and the believers there in Thessalonica was their boldness.  Chapter 1:6-7 calls them imitators of Christ, joyful in the Lord despite adversity, and examples to other believers.  What higher praise can there be?  They did not let circumstances rule them but were instead content in the Lord.  "It is well with my soul."  And then they acted on that contentment.  They showed it in their actions, and people took notice.  Not only were they an example in their day, but their example transcends time.  Verse 8 says that their faith had gone forth everywhere.  Think about how big 'everywhere' is.  Yeah--pretty mind-blowing.  
     The last part of chapter 2:2 also focuses on boldness.  Paul, Timothy and Silvanus had gone to Thessalonica to proclaim the gospel in an apparently bad time.  How often do we shy away from sharing the gospel in good times?  But Paul and his fellows had boldness given to them by God, which was used in a powerful way.  Verse 8 also shares a little more about how it was so powerful.  They didn't come, give their lecture, and move on.  That would have taken lots of courage in and of itself.  But they were also very transparent about their lives.  I can imagine they let actions speak louder than words, but I also get the sense that they shared their testimonies.  To be completely open about all of your life to close friends is hard enough.  They, strengthened by God, had the courage to be open books to the strangers around them.  Boldness.
     Now I bet that's not something that God just gave them naturally.  At least it doesn't ever seem to happen like that in my life.  I'd bet there was some serious prayer involved in that.  In these verses, Paul is always reminding his readers that God was the driving force behind all the boldness displayed by him and the believers in Thessalonica.  That tells me that he wasn't relying on himself or that it came easily.  If that boldness had come easy, I don't think he would have remembered to mention its ultimate source at all.  I know I wouldn't have.
     So the lesson, then, is to seek boldness in the Lord.  Be earnest in prayer for it.  God will use it in mighty ways--ways unfathomable to us.  Did Paul know how influential his ministry would be throughout the centuries?  I don't think so.  We never know how God is going to use us either.  But like any of his workings, He goes far beyond anything we could ever imagine.  Are we ready?