So often, people think that being bold involves trying to look macho and act tough. However, being bold is all about trusting that God’s Word is true and believing Him, especially when we can’t see how things are going to turn out. Being bold is literally trusting God to take you in a different direction than the world is heading. Everything in this world is passing away and heading for destruction. Thankfully, by trusting in God’s Eternal Son, we have forgiveness of sins, and we will live forever with Christ.

It takes courage to move in the opposite direction of a crowd. That’s why we need God’s Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, in order to trust and be bold. You see, bold faith is not simply internal and spiritual. Bold faith requires action. So often, God calls us to trust Him even when we can’t see him. Being bold in our faith means that we are to courageously trust Jesus Christ and act accordingly. Believing in Jesus Christ is our first step of faith, but James points out that faith without works is dead.

Sometimes we think we are lacking faith because we have fear. Having faith does not require the removal of fear, but the willingness to act and trust God in spite of how we may feel. Being faithful simply means having the internal courage to live out what God is doing from the inside out. Think about some of the stories we read in the Bible. Noah built an ark. David slayed Goliath. Peter stepped out of a boat and walked on water. Ananias went to visit the murderous Saul when he learned of his conversion. Joseph took Mary as his wife in spite of certain family opposition. Jesus endured the cross. What made them faithful was not the absence of fear, but the faith to trust God.

The hardest step of faith is simply the next one. It’s okay to be afraid. The greater the step of faith, the greater the fear. The bigger question is, “Where in your life is God asking you to trust Him?” Will you take the next step of faith in your life with Christ?

PRAYER

Dear Jesus. I know that You have been showing me the step of faith You want me to take, but I have allowed fear to overwhelm my trust. Please forgive me and help me to trust You in stepping in Your desired direction. Thank You, Lord, for Your help. Amen.