BOLDNESS

Peter Cartwright was a 19th century circuit riding preacher whose convictions were as tough as the man himself. Nobody could or would accuse Cartwright of compromise.

As a matter of fact, history tells us that one Sunday morning just before he was to preach, Cartwright was told that President Andrew Jackson (1767 – 1845; seventh President of USA) was in the congregation. He was warned to be careful of what he said in light of the President in the place.

Cartwright stood up. "I understand President Jackson is here. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn't repent."

Needless to say, the church people were shocked. However, Jackson was delighted at the boldness of the man.

After the service, he shook hands with Cartwright & said, "Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world." (tripod.com)

Jud 7:3 (GW): Announce to the troops, 'Whoever is scared or frightened should leave Mount Gilead and go back home.' So 22,000 men went back home, and 10,000 were left.

This implies that God cannot use fearful people.

Hence, 2Tim 1:7 (ISV) says: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.”