I am delighted to welcome my good friend Danya Jordan from Proverbs 31 to the #BeBoldGirl series today. I met Danya three years ago at the She Speaks conference and I admire her boldness for Jesus.
My heart was beating out of my chest. My hands and knees were visibly shaking. I held my breath as I looked out among the congregation.
It was the first time I had given my testimony. The first time I was truly vulnerable publicly about my past, my failures, my fragility, my salvation, my love for Jesus, and my desperate dependence upon Him.
Obedience in our faith requires boldness and courage.
The Golden Rule from Matthew 7:12 was drilled into my head and heart from a young age. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It still holds true today.
Like the Golden Rule, I am finding another rule that applies to our faith and telling others about Jesus.
When God calls us, He wants us to be bold in our faith.
“On the day I called, You answered me; And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.” Psalm 138:3 AMP.
Also, check out this version of the version :
“When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.” –Psalm 138:3. NIV
I love that word “embolden.” Webster defines it as “To instill boldness or courage.”
May this Psalm 138:3 verse serve as our “Em-Bolden Rule.”
When God calls us, our knees will shake, our heart will pound. Friend, let’s do it scared.
Tweet ThisPeter and John are two wonderful examples of living out the Em-Bolden Rule.
Their story after Pentecost truly inspires me.
After Jesus was resurrected and ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit filled the believers on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), starting the modern-day church as we know it.
The disciples became bold evangelists, even baptizing about three thousand people in one day after hearing Peter’s message (Acts 2: 41).
The rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem and asked Peter and John what authority did they have to be healing people and preaching like they were. (Acts 4:5-7). Peter and John courageously said that their authority came in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Salvation is found no one else.
The rulers wanted Peter and John stopped.
“But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” –Acts 4:17 (NIV)
They did not know what to do with Peter and John because the people were praising God for the healing miracles they had witnessed, so they released them.
This notable part resonates loudly in my heart. After Peter and John were released, they raised their voices together and prayed to God…
“’…Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and the spoke the word of God boldly. All the believers were one in heart and mind…” –Acts 4: 27-32.
Amen! In our world today, we as Christians will be more and more persecuted for our faith in Jesus Christ. Like Peter and John, it will take much boldness from the Holy Spirit for us to stand courageously and speak the Truth of Jesus Christ.
Peter and John lived out the Em-Bolden Rule: Do it scared in your obedience to God’s call.
May it be so of us, my emboldened friend.
Danya Jordan’s ministry life has spanned 15 years of Bible studies and church leadership, 20+ years of writing and speaking, and practically a lifetime of hilarious and provoking storytelling. Her mission statement is one word – “Shine!” – based on Matthew 5:16. Her “day job” is a high calling as Executive Director of Donor Development for international faith-based Proverbs 31 Ministries. As a single lady, her heart’s desire is to try to serve Jesus with every breath. She loves laughing with family and friends, breathing in the majestic mountain air in western North Carolina, kayaking, dancing, reading, gardening, and making trumpet sounds with her mouth without a trumpet. Connect with Danya on her blog and Twitter.
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Linking up with Kelly Balarie at #RaRaLinkup, Holley Gerth at #CoffeeForYourHeart and Holly Barrett at #TestimonyTuesday
Maree Dee, thank you for your encouraging words. I totally agree with you that our fears get in the way from God’s assignments for our life. I’m so proud of you for the courage you had when your child was hurting and that you still have. God continues to call you into His new assignments. You can do it, my friend.
I keep thinking about when God called Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land. Moses had led them well for 40 years, so Joshua had big shoes to fill. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”–Joshua 1:9
“Do it scared”! I just love that statement. I think so many times we let our fears get in the way of our obedience to God. I know I have. Then God took me to a place of no return so to speak. When my child was hurting, I stepped out into doing things I would never have dreamed I could do. I listened to God’s voice, and I moved. Of course, he didn’t leave me there he keeps pushing, and now I have turned our pain to helping others through speaking and writing. Again things I never thought I would be capable of. Thank you for your post. “Do it scared” my new motto.
Yes, I want to be bold and not worry about people’s reaction! I don’t live for their approval.
Amen, Sarah! I’m cheering you on and praying for your courage and boldness as God leads you.
Danya, I’m going to remember that little three word exhortation, because I see the Lord leading me into some areas that definitely feel “too big” for me. And yet, I want to be obedient and to seize every opportunity to glorify Him. So thankful for these words: Do it Scared!
Michelle, thank you for your encouraging reply. It sounds like God is calling you to take a leap of faith. My Mom told me once that “fear not” is found 365 times in the Bible, once for each day of the year. I am praying for your discernment and courage as you say “Here I am, Lord” to God’s next assignment for you. Yes, let’s continue to “do it scared.” God is with you and will never leave you nor forsake you. Be encouraged, Michelle.
Danya,
What a message for our times. If there was ever a time that we need to “do it scared” it’s now. Often it’s not easy to give our testimony and to give the reason for the hope we have within us, but we are called to be obedient and even though suffering may be involved, we are still called by the One who gives us everlasting life. Loved this post! All my best to Rachel as well!!
Blessings,
Bev
Bev, thank you for your encouraging reply. I totally agree it’s not easy to give our testimony, to boldly proclaim our faith in Jesus in this world. May we “do it scared” together and love each other as Jesus would. It’s not easy. A mentor told me once, “the stars are brightest in the darkest of night.” That’s us as believers. You shine, Bev. You shine. Matthew 5:16