“Be strong and courageous”

“Sinners run away even when no one is chasing them.
But those who do what is right are as bold as lions”.  Prov. 28:1  NIRV

Boldness is something desired by almost all believers.  Frequently, you hear someone pray for boldness.  

The first believers in the early church prayed for boldness and God answered in a mighty way.   The whole building shook with the power of God, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures.   They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus”.    Acts 4:13 NLT

What does it mean to be “bold as a lion”?  

One aspect of boldness is confidence.  Not arrogance.  Not self-assurance.  Our confidence must be in Jesus and His ability not in ourselves.

God gives us the desire and the ability to obey Him and do His will.   Bold Christians are “Can Do” people.  They look for ways to get things done.

Another aspect of courage is exhibited in our walk with God.   The prophet Elijah, Daniel, Peter, John and Paul are a few examples who exhibited great courage in their walk with God.

The story of Joshua and Caleb at the border of the Promised Land revealed great courage when they did not agree with the other ten spies.  They said, “Let’s go up at once and possess the land, for we are well able to overcome it.”

God said in Num. 14:24 NIV, “But my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it”.

Joshua boldly led the nation of Israel into battle to possess the land.  God said to him in Josh. 1:8-9, “Have I not commanded you?   Be strong and courageous.   Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Fearlessness is another aspect of courage.    It means you do not hesitate; you are quick to obey God.  You are quick to act on His Word and do what He says.

When the Spirit of God is stirred up and activated within you, you can live free from fear.

Holy boldness will only operate within the framework of love and humility.

“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them.  Nothing will injure you”.               Luke 10:19 NLT

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline”.  II Tim. 1:7 NLT