God loves boldness and He wants us to be confident of His love for us. He wants us to know without a doubt that we are made right with Him through the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross—especially on those days when we feel unworthy of His love.
To live boldly means that we’re willing to step out in faith to try new things and pursue our God-given dreams and passions without letting the fear of doubt overshadow our faith.
Doubt is a fear that can bring a lot of confusion: Did I make the right decision? I don’t know. Maybe I did. Well, maybe I didn’t. We can go back and forth like that in our heads forever but I’ve found that when I’m confused, it’s better to stop, turn off my brain and just look at what’s in my heart—not for what I think I should do, but what I believe I should do.
Sometimes it becomes very clear what God wants us to do; other times it’s less obvious. But before you jump ahead, give God a chance to speak to your heart.
God Is On Your Side, No Matter What
James 1:5-6 says, ” If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without wavering.”
I hope that you noticed it says, “If any of you” need wisdom. God isn’t looking for perfect people; they don’t exist. So no matter where you are, God wants to help you! Isn’t that good news?
God will never leave you or forsake you, and He will always remain faithful to His Word. All you have to do is ask and receive, dismissing the doubts that set themselves up against His Word. If you can do that, there’s no telling what God will make happen in your life.
Words of Faith Bring Clarity and Confidence
Romans 4 gives a wonderful account of the story of Abraham, one of the great heroes of faith. Verses 18-19 say, “Against all hope, he believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations according to what was spoken … And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body to be dead (when he was about a hundred years old), nor yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb.”
Abraham considered the facts. But he still believed God was greater. Verse 20 says, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.”
Instead of relying only on what we see around us, you and I can choose to believe God’s Word. And we can open our mouths to speak words of thanks, like this:
“God, I remember the good things You’ve done for me and how You’ve been faithful to those who’ve trusted in You through the ages. I’m giving You praise today because I know You’ll always be faithful.”
Doubt cannot make you cave in if you will open your mouth and war against it with words of faith.
Be Ready to Be Stretched in Times of Waiting
Like Abraham, we all have times of waiting that God uses to test and stretch our faith. But He promises to work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Honestly, if we can keep a good attitude throughout the process, our wait time might be shorter than it would be if we decided we’d rather murmur and complain. God wants to use the challenges we experience to draw us closer to Him so that when our prayer is finally answered and our day of breakthrough comes, we’ll be stronger in our faith and able to withstand any opposition that comes against us.
Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you need patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise.”
It takes boldness to believe God’s promises are for you and not just for everyone else. It takes boldness to cling to His promises when the world around you says: It will never happen! And it takes boldness to step out in faith and try something new. But be encouraged. God isn’t concerned about you making mistakes. He knows you’re not perfect and He wants to give you His wisdom and strength to do everything He’s put in your heart.
So stop doubting and step out in faith … and believe God can do something amazing in you and through you. He wants to see boldness in you!
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored more than 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Living Courageously (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org.
