Bold as a Lion

Bold as a Lion

When asked to contribute a blog post that would encompass the heart of being “bold in the soul,” I shook my finger at the sky and boldly proclaimed, “Lord, I love your sense of humor, but more importantly I love your redemption.”

“Bold” is a word that has been used to describe my character my whole life, but most of the time it didn’t feel like much of a compliment. The word felt dirty, shame-filled, and often wore a mask of fear.

It was used when I stood up for my cousin on the playground and when I won the state title in high school debate team. My husband still jokes that when he first met me I scared him because of my boldness, shown immediately and without apology.

For years I replaced the Webster’s definition of “bold” with whispers from the enemy which said: “You have to be right,” “They think you’re too aggressive,” and “Your opinion cuts like a knife.”

One day as I was listening to a counselor at a conference explain how most people struggle with comparison, I began to process how that wasn’t generally true in my own experience. Materialism has always been low on the totem pole for me, and God has truly given me a passionate heart to cheer on and serve others rather than envy their best traits.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I have my poisons.

I’m looking at you, Mister Pride.

To be fair, comparison has tempted me before, and I haven’t always pioneered my own path. But I’ve more often gotten wrapped up in the game of striving to be the person that the enemy tells me I should be than trying to impress those around me.

I started thinking about how powerful the mind was created to be. Was this a gift from the Father, perhaps? Why was I putting that dauntless courage towards anything other than His will? How could I fall prey to those lies for so many years? Who was this girl that thought she could stand so strong-willed before the Maker of all humanity and tell Him that her ideas were better?

In defense, my flesh is a knock-out fighter. Although, thankfully– my dukes could never stand a chance against the One who created them in the first place.

I wondered, is it possible to turn that passionate momentum into boldness for Him?  

“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 138:3)

Yes, it turns out that God made each of us that way. When we walk rightly in His will, He calls each of us “bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).

I now get to praise Him, because daily I hear Him call me deeper into that boldness. He knows when He calls me, I will faithfully surrender.

You can probably guess that’s still not always true. The fact that I’m human means that I fail God quite regularly. But when I remind myself that God calls me bold and that He cannot fail within me, I quickly adjust my crown and walk into His unknown.  That punk enemy will not steal God’s moment.

I now live on mission to boldly tell anyone who will listen that Jesus is the only freedom that I’ve ever known. When we accept the truth about Christ, He lives inside each of us and is in pursuit to do whatever it takes to bring joy unending.

Paul, one of the most famous ministers of the gospel, was said to have “proclaimed the Kingdom of God teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with ALL boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31).

When I asked several of my closest friends to define the word “bold,” this was the response: “Intentional,”  “Willing to share your passion,” “Raw and pure honesty,” “Limitless courage,” and “Bravery with direction.”  

Not even close to those out of tune enemy anthems that held me captive for so long.

As I glimpse through those descriptions, I can’t imagine any response but to be obedient to wear boldness for God, honored that He has made me do so!

“We have boldness through him, and free access as kings before the Father because of our complete confidence in Christ’s faithfulness” (Ephesians 3:12).

What is holding you back from unleashing the bold courage that has been stamped on your heart? Will you join me in walking into the faith-filled boldness of your soul?

 

 

Britney is a fitness teacher, gospel preacher with a passion for reaching the broken through community outreach. She and her husband, Josh seek to restore bodies with joyful movement through their ministry, Reckless Reclamation. You can follow her ministry on Instagram at @recklessreclamation.

Thanks for reading along this week in our third blog post in the #BOLDINTHESOUL Challenge! If you’d like another resource to use during the remainder of the Bold in the Soul Challenge, download our free resource called, “21 Declarations: Your Identity in Christ.” This resource is created for you to discover your identity in Christ through his Word.

Move with us in this #wednesdayworkout! For more great workouts, visit us at RevWellTV.

KARA’S FULL-LENGTH PARTNER WORKOUT – “OPEN HANDED” 

This one is just pure fun! Who knew another human could make the perfect training tool? Find a friend, get your spouse or, or grab a kid and get ready to work up a sweat and wear a smile. (ALL LEVELS) (JOB 11:13 & GALATIANS 2:20; NO EQUIPMENT)

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2 Responses

  1. Great Post! Im trying to be bold. To really own what God has already put in me but i always doubt myself. I love God so much i just want to spread the Gospel everywhere to everyone. I let fear get to me and then i wonder how would i even do it or if anyone would even listeN. But im trysting God, Hes got a plan for me.

  2. Great word Britney. Love the description of boldness – “BravEry with Direction”.

    Bold and fierce you are friend. Be encouragwd, you are doing a good work.

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