BE BOLD!

ALL AFFLICTIONS ARE PERMITTED BY GOD! (PART 2 OF 2)

July 5, 2022

OVERCOMING TRAUMA AND SUFFERING

July 7, 2022

6th JULY 2022

“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” – Acts 4:31

Many of us are not quite sure about what boldness means. Boldness is the courage to act or speak fearlessly, despite real or imagined dangers. When a person acts boldly, they take action regardless of the risks. Boldness is not rashness. Boldness empowers someone to do or speak what is necessary, despite the possibility of a negative outcome.

As believers, we need boldness to defend the faith that we profess. Therefore, it is good to be bold and stand up for what you believe in, which falls on all squares with the Scripture. When we are consistently courageous in defending the faith, we are helping to spread the gospel that sets humanity free from disease, ignorance and poverty. Also, boldness gives us the inner strength to move doggedly towards fulfilling our set goals and objectives. You cannot take a business risk without boldness, and you cannot face failure. Furthermore, it would be best if you had the boldness to accept the truth and speak the truth.

Nevertheless, when you act boldly, you’re taking some risk; you could be risking physical danger, embarrassment, or your reputation might be smeared in the process. But what matters, in the end, is the positive outcome arising from showing boldness at the right time.

Boldness is the first characteristic the Holy Spirit imparted on the Apostles and made them fearless in preaching the gospel. God gives us boldness when our objective is to obey and glorify Him with it. Spiritual boldness pursues the truth, works to destroy lies and error, and speaks what is right regardless of how terrifying such action may be. Yes! As a preacher, you must be bold to speak the truth. The gospel truth! As a congregation, you must be ready, and bold to accept the truth. The truth will set you free!

But worldly boldness is stupid and can become pushy or aggressive. It thrives on widespread approval and often ignores caution or sensitivity. It makes people ask us, “What were you thinking?” Therefore, we should not be bold in doing evil, accepting dares, or crossing boundaries to prove we can. Boldness without discernment can lead to foolish words and risky behaviour. Therefore, be wise!

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When we are convinced that our message is life-giving and eternal, we can speak with boldness, knowing that God will use it to impact our world (Isaiah 55:10–11)

PRAYER

In the name of Jesus Christ, Father grant me the power to pray as Paul did that I mayest receive a supernatural boldness to speak and live as you would have me do. AMEN.

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 11:22; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:6

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.