Be Bold for Jesus

What does it mean to be Bold for Jesus?

I have heard sermons preached on this subject and the message is clear enough:  be Bold for Jesus! But I am left thinking, "Ok.  How?"

According to Webster's Dictionary, the definition of bold is "Not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring"

Ok.  What Now?  This definition only creates more questions.
"How do I approach someone?" "What do I say?"                                                               "When will I know the time is right?"   "What if I am too scared?"

Do you see the mistake I am making? The one word those questions have in common is "I".  Is it up to ME? Absolutely not.  God is in charge. Not me.

Personally, this past week I have been reminded of that more than I cared to be with the passing of my very first (and hopefully last) kidney stone. The pain was unbearable, but the reality of how fragile my health is and how dependent on God I am is humbling.  I am so thankful for Kim, my RN, who came to my aide while I was in the ER.  I am so thankful for my recovery and how God was there every step of the way.

Did that make me Bold?

I would like to say a resounding, "Yeah!" -with my fist raised victoriously in the air, but the answer is no.  Ironically, the realization came of what boldness looks like when I was feeling relief from the pain and on my way out of the hospital.

As I was a walking slowly down the hall, an elderly lady was being wheeled into the ER. She was frail and had lesions all over her body. She was whimpering to the nurse two simple words, "Help me".  I passed her to walk out of the door and she reached her hand out to me.  Our eyes met and she exclaimed again in a tiny voice, "Help me".

I said a prayer as I walked by, but I remember distinctly that I felt the push of the Holy Spirit to take her hand and pray out loud.  Sadly, I did not act on God's call for me.  Now, could I justify it and say I was too ill and medicated?  Yes, but my heart knows better.  I now know from that missed opportunity how to be Bold for Jesus.  It means responding to that push of His call and He will do the rest.  He will present events in our lives. All we have to do is obey.   Will it be out of our comfort zone?  Absolutely, but this is what He calls us to do.

Pray with me:  Jesus, I pray I do not miss another moment to be Bold for You. I pray I am obedient to Your call and that I take myself and my selfish thoughts out of the way and let you take control.

Joshua 1:9:  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Let God have the final say. Be Bold for him.

Coleen Trainor