When Faith Grows, Boldness Grows
Your Nightly Prayer for Apr. 10, 2025
by Keri Eichberger
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” - Acts 4:13
SOMETHING TO PONDER
I needed boldness. And exactly two hours before I was about to do something I considered to be one of the boldest moves I’d made in decades, I sat in my bible study circle staring at this question: How do you think boldness and faith are related? I knew I needed boldness, but as I considered my answer, I was starting to see it was faith I needed just as much. Because after nearly 20 years of nudges to step forward and audition to lead worship at church, and letting fear hold me back, today was finally the day set to step out in bold faith.
Now this move may seem small in comparison to a lot of hard things, but the fact is, what is bold for one person might be considered pretty simple and ordinary to another. Boldness, doing the hard courageous thing, is really subject to the person. Their unique giftings, talents, and abilities, along with their personal struggles and fears. For each of us, our own comfort or fear zone will determine when boldness is required to act. And for me personally, putting my vulnerable heart and voice out there, requires more courage and boldness than bringing my five children into the world. Yes, like you, I’ve tackled some stuff some may fear to ever touch, but for reasons only God knows, pouring out the sounds of my audible soul terrified me.
Is there something on your heart that will require boldness? A move you know will take some serious courage to take on? And how about your faith? Where does your faith fit in the picture? Is the hard thing asking for a level of faith that feels greater than you’re confident you have?
I get it. It took me years to step toward this call. And truthfully, I’ve had to bolster up to take on all kinds of things that attempt to grip me with fear. Flying in planes, confronting difficult people and conversations, starting new jobs, moving to new homes, writing books—I could go on. Like I’m sure you have your own long list. A collection of big steps taken that you needed the power of God to fuel you. The Holy Spirit to guide you. And his presence to give you the peace and courage to follow through.
But here’s what I’m learning. As my faith—my trust in God—grows, my ability to be bold grows. My boldness has nothing to do with growing in or gaining some special ability. It has everything to do with my increases of quality time sitting at the feet of Jesus. As I grow by spending more time with him, I hear and discern his voice and callings more, I trust his good provision more, and I gain the courage to do what he is asking me. And I believe we all want to do bold things for God. Especially when we trust it will take us to good and better places. Yet too many times fear holds us back. But the truth of the matter is, as our faith grows, so does our ability to fight back at the enemy who is instilling that fear to keep us away from boldness.
I’m grateful to report I will finally be leading worship very soon for the glory of God. And though it frustrates me that I held back so many years, it encourages me to know my step was a result of a growing faith. So back to the question, how is our faith and boldness related? As we keep growing in our time with and our trust in God, our faith fuels our bold moves for the kingdom—those hard things on your heart that God is calling you to. And God always honors our obedience. And when we see him honor our obedience, our faith and trust grows again, and gives confidence to boldness yet again.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father God,
You are the source of all strength, courage, and boldness. And I want to follow the calls you have placed on my life. I want to do bold things for your kingdom, so you will be lifted up and seen for the great you are. I am honored that you would choose me, an ordinary soul, to play a part in your glory story, but I need your help. I know I need to spend time with you, getting to know you, fueling the flames of my days in deep communion with you. I know that this is where I will grow in faith, trust, and boldness. So, help me to make more time for you. Lord, I praise you for the power you give and your sweet presence of peace. In your glorious Name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Is there a bold move God is calling you to?
2. Have you grown in time spent with God and noticed increases of faith and trust in him?
3. Imagine what you would do or how your life would look different if your faith grew to where fear didn’t keep you from boldly pursuing the calls and desires God has placed on your heart.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Arzu Sendag
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