“Some people exude boldness, while others struggle with living boldly as a loved child of God. I had that problem until God showed me some important keys that helped me live boldly, and I want to share them with you.
1. Refuse to live in fear. Fear is an epidemic in our society. The Bible instructs us in Hebrews 10:38 to live by faith and not draw back in fear.                                                                                                                             2. Put setbacks behind you. You are not a failure because you try new things and they don’t work out. You fail only when you stop trying. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do, recover quickly and press on.
3. Don’t draw comparisons. Boldness will be impossible as long as you compare yourself to others. Boldness comes from accepting who you are and being the best you can be.
4. Be willing to take action. Search your heart and ask yourself what you believe God wants you to do, and then do it.
Pray over these four keys, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live them out. Hold up your head and be filled with boldness.” ~Joyce Meyer
It seems like this devo was written for me. At times I feel like I have boldness, and I do, but then I wonder if I am being prideful; and this causes me to shrink back at times. Every time I get up to preach or teach, I have to battle feeling insecure. Some people notice my nervousness, others tell me I look confident. They are both right…How confused a man am I! I know that God wants us to have confidence in Him. I do. But God recently showed me another part of the key…He wants me to acknowledge my Dependence on Him! I can have confidence because of my dependence on Him to show up.
I also know that my boldness is a choice. I can either choose to live in fear—(of what people think or do) or I can choose to walk in faith. I have no problem trying new things. It's exciting for me! But it bothers me to fail. I think this is true for everyone. So are you the kind that will risk and try new things, even if you might fail? Or are you the kind that will not risk, because of possible failure? My philosophy is this: If I try 20 new things, and 10 work—then that's 10 new things that work!!! Are you with me? Don't be afraid to Dream and DO God-sized things! What would you do for God if you knew that you would not fail? You have to try to find out. Look at your life right now…is there anything you can do to live more boldly? You will only know if you try. With God all things are possible. So let's see what God is doing and join Him!
Blessings to you,
Pastor Ray
