Do you want to be more bold? Well, what are you aiming at in life?
Boldness has been described as the “willingness to take risks and act innovatively; confidence or courage” (Lexico-Oxford)
My view is that boldness for God’s purposes is beautiful. Boldness shines for Jesus, and defends the defenceless in this dark world. Boldness stands up for what is right as led by the Holy Spirit. We ask God for wisdom in what to do, and be obedient to exactly what He wants us to do. We honour God, and as Christ followers are different in the way we are called to be.
Proverbs 28:1 (ESV) “…the righteous are bold as a lion”
Jesus has given us the gift of righteousness, because of the victory He won on the cross. We rely on God’s strength, and not our own strength. David went to fight against Goliath, he knew God was greater than Goliath. David had a relationship with God, and recalled how God had helped him previously against a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:37). God orchestrated David to be there, David used his sling and a stone.
Standing on God’s truth, when others try to convince you otherwise, takes boldness. Joshua and Caleb stood firmly on what God had said, even though others around them were intimidated. Joshua and Caleb are the ones who entered the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30). They flourished there. We stand firm on God’s promises.
The disciples in the New Testament times, did not back down and stop being obedient to Jesus’ command to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). Upon receiving threats, the disciples prayed for boldness.
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV)
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness”.
God gives us boldness. I am so grateful that they did not stop; that is how the rest of us heard about Jesus.
Because of what Jesus did for us, we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV). As we respond to God’s love, we can have a kingdom of God impact. We are the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13); with salt having a preserving quality, keeping things good. We are also the light of the world (Matthew 5:14); shining God’s light to those around us.
God’s people should be bold in being different; I have only mentioned a few of the bold and brave men and women in the Bible. Giving glory to God! Being bold was needed to accomplish God’s purpose, and the same is for us these days. We speak life when others don’t, and we speak truth in love.
Love is the motivation for what we do. Because of God’s love we can be bold, and love is the reason we want to be bold.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Thank-You for your amazing love for us. There is none like You! You loved us first, and made a way for us to be reconciled with You, all in Your mercy and grace. I confess my sins, and thank-You for all You have done for me. Thank-You for your gift of righteousness, and giving me boldness to say and do all you have planned in Your purpose for me. All glory to You God!
In Jesus name, Amen