By Richard H. Schneider
Since man first cowered before the dark unknown, God has understood our timidity. That’s why He Himself goes with us. He wants us to be bold for Him, to live our lives to full fruition, to fulfill His plan in the world. Keeping that in mind, try these five steps to boldness.
1. Is it right with God?
We can attain conviction by first seeking God’s will in all that we wish to accomplish. Ask God if your goal is right. If you sense affirmation, then take the next step.
2. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
Commit yourself by biting off more than you think you can chew, rather than letting fear of failure stop you from trying at all. Those “mighty forces”? They are energy, skill, sound judgment, creativity, even physical strength and endurance. Boldness creates a state of emergency to which these powers respond.
3. Don’t look over your shoulder.
If you do, as baseball’s great Satchel Paige said, “You may see something gaining on you.” That something could be the fears you overcame at the start. So keep up your momentum.
4. Make the leap of faith.
In Jesus’ parable of the talents, the servant who buried his employer’s money was criticized for failing to put it to use. The servant’s alibi sums up too many people’s attitude toward life: “I was afraid to risk it.”
5. Don’t duck the spotlight.
The next time you hear a call for volunteers or see someone who needs assistance or spot a wrong that needs righting, strive for the boldness that shouts: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!”
This
article is excerpted from Guideposts
Daily Planner 2015.
