Courage, Boldness, and Faith In Demand

My heart pounded as I approached the immigration line. What would they say? Would I be allowed to enter the country? Would my bags be searched? I’d shared my testimony with someone on the plane feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit. Had I been courageous or stupid?

Trying to act like a relaxed, carefree tourist wasn’t easy. I knew they could pull me aside and interrogate further. Silent, but fervent prayers, went up to Heaven.

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is overcoming that fear and moving forward in spite of it.

I thought to myself, “I’m not feeling very bahadur right now!” Bahadur is the Nepalese word for brave. It is the middle name of many Nepalese men. Tik Bahadur, Man Bahadur, Ram Bahadur these are some of my friend’s names.

Nepalese make amazing Gurkha soldiers because of their bravery. The British army has hired them as mercenaries for years. They are fearless in battle. It is also why they make great missionaries. God is redeeming that beautiful aspect of who the Nepalese people are and using it for His glory. Not only Nepalis need to be bahadur. Any effort to complete the Great Commission requires courage, boldness, and faith.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome anxiety. It’s that willingness to step out of the boat and walk with God on water. Courageous faith forces us to keep walking when we seem to be sinking and fast. Without courage, boldness, and faith, you will not live a fulfilling life on mission with God. These three things must be actively cultivated in our lives.

Strength Training

I was doing a YouTube weight training workout recently. Don’t be too impressed. My weights are 1 kilo, 3 kilos and 5 kilos. Strength training is important, even if you start small. It helps with muscle tone as you get older, or so I am told!

Back to my topic. As I was doing the workout, the trainer said something that caught my attention. As you lift the weights, focus your mind on the muscle you are using. The muscle you think about as you lift the weights is the one that will grow.

Lying on the mat, weights in my hands, I focused on my muscles. Groaning, I pushed my arms into the air yet again.

Hmm. What you focus on as you push yourself grows stronger. Could that be true of our faith as well?

In Acts fourteen, Paul and Barnabas were ministering in a place called Iconium. They initially saw a lot of fruit. It says, “a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.” Not long after, there was a backlash. Some who refused to believe their message stirred up others against them. What had started well, looked like it might end in disaster. Paul and Barnabas, however, didn’t run away. They didn’t give up. It says they spent considerable time in that place and spoke boldly. God showed up and confirmed their words by releasing miracles.

It took courage to stay, boldness to speak, and faith to believe God would show up and do His part in that situation.

So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

Acts 14:3 NIV.

Definition of Courage, Boldness and Faith

Miriam-Webster defines these three words as follows.

• Courage- the mental or moral strength to try, persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
• Boldness- Showing or requiring a fearless daring spirit
• Faith- 1) belief, trust in, and loyalty to God 2) the firm belief in something for which there is no proof

The only genuine source of these three things is our relationship with God. As we are connected to Him, these things flow into our lives in increasing measure.

1. Courage

It takes courage to step into new things, such as new relationships, a new country, or a new situation. As the definition states, it also takes courage to stay there.

We need wisdom with our courage. Courage is not doing stupid and reckless things. It is obeying God and stepping out of the easy into the uncomfortable. We are courageous when we choose to obey His command to reach all nations. It is also being willing to have uncomfortable conversations rather than pulling away. It is showing up in a dialogue when you are the minority opinion, and being willing to express your perspective.

Most things worth doing demand courage of us. What do you know you need to do, but lack courage for today?

2. Boldness

This is an absolutely critical characteristic in the life of a disciple, and even more so a cross-cultural missionary. Take a moment and ask yourself. How bold am I?

Some personalities are naturally more risk-taking. You may not have that kind of nature. That is okay. God Himself can place a boldness within us that pushes us to dare to do the things we could never do apart from Him.

Bold witness is a consistent factor in the launching of Disciple Making Movements. It’s vital if we want to pioneer new things God has put dreams in our hearts about. It must be nurtured within us.

When I’m feeling timid, I know I need two things; the Holy Spirit’s filling, and community. These strengthen us. Read Acts Chapter Two. Do you recall the difference in Peter’s life when the Holy Spirit filled him? Having a team of people you share both struggles and victories with increases boldness too.

3. Faith

We know the text from Hebrews, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” At times our faith is strong and fervent, other times it feels shaky. Faith is both a fruit of the Spirit and a spiritual gift. It is placed there by God Himself, not by our efforts. At the same time, we can be intentional about developing faith.

The Bible says faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Meditating on what God’s Word says rather than focusing on what people say, breathes life into your faith like a balloon gaining air. It expands it.

Silence the voices of doubt. Listen to the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe. What is He saying to you? Nothing is too hard for Him. Rise up in faith my friend. Receive a new gift of faith from God today. He is able to overcome any challenge you face.

It’s Not Wrong to Struggle

If you’ve noticed your courage, boldness, and faith have diminished, don’t despair. It’s okay to struggle. What is dangerous, is staying in that place without taking action. Invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life today. Ask Him to fill you again with renewed courage, boldness, and faith. He will meet you there.

Do you need prayer for this area? Reach out to us and the Missionary Life community. We’d love to stand with you for a fresh infusion of hope in these areas. Share your need below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.