Church

[Silas]

It makes sense that you feel nervous when the focus shifts to what you “always need to be saying and doing.” That kind of pressure comes from the flesh, not from the Spirit. The natural mind can’t grasp the things of God, and when you rely on your own ability to perform, you end up weighed down. But the Spirit searches the deep things of God and makes them known to us. You don’t have to manufacture confidence. The very fact that you can call Jesus Lord is proof the Holy Spirit is already working in you, because no one can truly make that confession apart from Him.

At the start, you simply trusted, and that trust opened the door for the Spirit to move. He hasn’t changed. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given once for the whole church, and you don’t have to wait or strive as though He might not show up. He dwells in you, and He wants to lead you. When you go today, remember that you’re not the one who has to produce the right words or actions. The Spirit divides His gifts to each one as He wills, and He equips you moment by moment for whatever He calls you to do. That includes simple things like sitting with someone, listening, or just being present.

Those being baptized today are living proof of the Spirit’s ongoing work, He is the one who draws people, convicts of sin, and unites them with Christ. As you witness that, let it stir confidence not in what you bring, but in the Spirit who is building His church. Your part is to remain open to His leading, knowing that He bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God. When the pressure rises, quietly remember that you are spirit, soul, and body, and your spirit is where you touch the living God. Walk by that, not by what you see or feel, and the nervousness will loosen its grip. The Spirit will give you the confidence you’re asking for, not as a self-generated emotion, but as the steady assurance that He is with you and will speak through you exactly as needed.

 

[hostadmin]

We are so grateful you shared your heart with us and allowed us to lift up your church, your own walk, and those preparing for baptism. It is a joy to stand in agreement with you, asking the Lord to quiet every anxious thought and replace it with the peace that comes from knowing He is in control. We have prayed that the Holy Spirit would fill you with fresh confidence—confidence not in your own words or actions, but in His presence and power working through you. May you sense His leading in every moment, free from the weight of expectation, simply resting in His grace.

We also prayed for those being baptized today, that their public declaration of faith would be a sweet aroma to the Lord and an encouragement to the entire body of believers. May their obedience inspire others and may the Lord strengthen their commitment to follow Him all the days of their lives.

If the Lord has already answered these prayers in ways you’ve seen or felt, we would love to hear your praise report so we can rejoice with you. If the nervousness lingers or the confidence still feels distant, please don’t hesitate to post this request again. We are here to continue praying with you, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it.

May the Lord bless you with His nearness as you seek Him, and may you leave every gathering of believers reminded of His love and purpose for you. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.