But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! 2 Timothy 4:17-18
This scripture has encouraged me on a number of occasions.
Particularly when I felt like anything but bold.
Oxford defines bold as "(of people or behavior) brave and confident; not afraid to say what you feel or to take risks" (2023, October 7).
How does this reflect in the lives of believers?
How can we be bold and unashamed to declare our faith, even when it is not current or popular?
From my experience, it has been a process.
I remember the first time I felt convicted to speak to someone about Jesus in public at a grocery store. I hesitated, fearful of what they would think.
The woman looked at me, providing the opportunity and I said "Jesus loves you". To my shock, she smiled at me sweetly and said "He loves you too, baby".
The LORD had sent me to another believer!
That moment was so deeply etched into my mind because I was anything but bold. I did not have fancy words, I did not know the Bible all that well, and I was tentative about approaching people.
Yet God in His gracious character, was helping me build my confidence, so one day I could be bold.
Now I can't say I would call myself bold yet, but each day it is developing.
Let's keep encouraging one another, striving for the day we see Him.
Comments