A brief meditation arrived in my inbox a few days ago that really got my attention. The premise was based on the idea we may not be bold enough when we pray. I knew there was a truth here the Lord wanted me to see.
While the accompanying image may serve as a bit of a spoiler, I believe it is important to address our questions [or any others you come up with] in the context of the counsel offered in this clear, to the point Scripture:
Therefore, since we have such hope, we act very boldly. [2 Corinthians 3:12]
Now let’s add to that the definition of the word bold:
Showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit [Merriam-Webster]
Because of our unique personalities, insights, and various life experiences, your idea of what it means to be bold could be a bit different than mine. However, that does not imply one of us is right and the other is wrong. It simply means each of us, with all our strengths and weaknesses, bring a unique perspective to what it means to live with courage and boldness.
Now here is a definition of boldness for you—Jesus tells us when we place our hope in Christ and trust in God, we can ask for anything. Really? Yes. Which is not to say we will get our each and every prayer answered in exactly the way we would like it to happen.
On the other hand, when we carry that Christ-hope within, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be bold. Fearless or daring. In our prayers. In our choices and actions. In the whole of our day-to-day life.
The good news is that when we boldly approach the Throne of Grace with the hope God will hear and answer our prayers, we can trust He will be faithful to do so—in His time, His way, and His plan.
So, if the desire of my heart is to walk in God’s will, is the idea of being bold necessary, or even important?
Short answer, yes. The more we grow in faith and trust of the Lord’s care and compassion for all living creatures, the more we get comfortable with the idea of being bold in all aspects of our Christian walk. God is neither stingy nor prejudiced. He is not turned off by a “fearless, daring spirit.” He welcomes our honesty and vulnerability—in our thoughts and definitely in our emotions.
Of the multitude of lessons the Lord has taken me through over the years, it took a long time to own that I was afraid or angry. Or both. Nonetheless, when I finally realized neither of these two situations were too big or too ugly for God, I became bold in prayer as well as other aspects of my life. It was uncomfortable in the beginning and there are still moments when I hesitate to act from a “fearless, daring spirit”, however, I am much more willing now than ever before to embrace God’s grace and step out in boldness.
May we always be grateful for the “hope” that Jesus inspires in our hearts along with the presence and guidance of the Spirit to help us be the holy, bold people the Lord calls us to be.
How do I feel about the hope within to act boldly?
How do I feel about being bold before God?
Do I need to begin by asking God to put a fearless daring spirit in my heart?
