BOLD

This past year, I have not only finished another semester at college, I have learned so much more than what type of rock the ocean floor is made of, or that it is possible, without practice to present a thirty minute presentation by myself which was meant for a group of three. I will have more posts about school later on and I can't wait to share them. I have learned a lot this pass year and not just in academics. I am trying to be open and honest with you here and it's kinda scary but here it goes. I hope this post provides a bit of challenge yet at the same time encourages. It has done both for me and I hope does the same for you. 

enjoy

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What does it mean to be and act bold. 

I mean realistically. Now. At Work. Home. School

I don't  mean dying your hair a bright colors or wearing a unique outfit. 

I think God meant something entirely different in the word when he told Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

It took courage and boldness for Joshua to lead the Israelites to the land God had promised them and to stay faithful to God.

In the previous verse, God tells Joshua to obey the instructions (Ten Commandments) He gave to Moses.  He tells Joshua to "turn neither left or right" and not to deviate from them in any way. Three times in Joshua 1, God reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous. The last time, he adds, "do not be afraid or discouraged.

Like Joshua, God has given us, His children, lots of commands. For example, Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse - Romans 12:14,  "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

The commands that God gives are noteasy to carry out and are impossible when we try to achieve them on our own.

He know this.

Like Joshua and the Isrealites, it is easy to loose site of the fact that God does not leave us alone to attempt the impossible. 

He is with us.

Multiple times, God tells Joshua not to be afraid and to follow him.

Those promises hold true for us, his children, as well.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:13-16).

We are called to be light and salt to the world. We do that by reaching out to those around us, sharing with them the love that God gave us. We are not called to blend in, to be like salt that lacks flavor.

In Philippians 1:20, Paul states, "For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die."

"Bold for Christ."

Many times, God's command for us to live in a way that honors him calls us to be bold. To, often times step out of our comfort zone and trust him.

It takes God to truly be bold.

What keeps people back from really stepping out in faith and loving a complete stranger?

Fear? Fear of being rejected by peers because of your beliefs? Fear of making a mistake or somehow not speaking clear enough? 

There are so many excuses I can find in my own life but I thing it boils down to simply not trusting God will keep His word that He will not only be with us but will give us the grace and strength to do His will.

Stepping out of the norm and doing what God calls me to do takes strength only He can provide.

However, God does not leave us imperfect people alone—so easily overcome by fear.

He commands us to "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Again, God tells Joshua to not be afraid. To have assurance, calmness, cheer, confidence, contentment, encouragement, faith, happiness, joy, trust, comfort, love, to be brave, and take courage. All of these words antonyms for fear.

Why? Because God is with him.

God is with us as well.

"...With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).

Easy? No.

But with God on our side, who should be satisfied with doing the bare minimum when one can do the impossible?

This is a pep talk to myself. 

I hope by sharing this some of you can not only relate but also be encouraged.

My second year at college has brought changes to my life relatively early: big changes including a new semester with new classes and new situations, something all students face. It has also brought the passing of my dear Grandpa. I realized being too consumed and filling myself with just stuff, such as being extremely focused on school and not setting aside time to study the Bible but instead set aside time to check Facebook or catch on other projects, just to name a few, were distancing me from God. My mind was more focused on dealing with the difficulties or pleasures that presented themselves at the moment, and had lost sight of the big picture, that all of this, the good and the bad, had been given to me by God for a reason. A good one, unknown to me at the time. 

I am reminded of a quote by C.S. Lewis that states, “God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons we could not learn in any other way.” 

I was experiencing a low point in my life as I had allow other things, besides God, take up my time. It was really hurting me but through this process, I learned the importance of setting aside time for God. That I need him, even when things are going well, and especially when things are difficult. Even when I don’t feel like I have enough time in a school day to set aside time for him. It is ultimately about priorities, not how much time I have.

   

I became aware I had poured too much time and energy into school and family affairs, both of which where good but should not consume my life. I had not put aside time to seek God.

Furthermore, I realized I was trying too hard to be and stay comfortable. In trying to keep myself safe, I missed opportunities to reach out to others. To see my classmates and offer a word of encouragement or simply ask how their day was going.

I wanted to change, and yet at the same time, fear was trying to hold me back, so I prayed God would change my heart and make me bold.

Answering that prayer, He gave me the desire and courage to step out and take the initiative, even though it was extremely hard at times.

It still is. In fact, it is an on going process with ups and downs.

Ultimately, as I have started to focus more on God and less on myself, I can reach out to others and try to encourage them. This makes my day.

God has slowly been helping me get over the fear of what peers think of me, especially when I state my beliefs, which I had to opportunity to do in one of my classes.

I am slowly getting over the fear of being the "odd one out,” to not hide behind my phone, but instead go up and appreciate the artwork of another student.

It is so simple. It seems easy. But it can be so difficult to do.

It is totally worth it.

I ask again: what does it mean to be and act bold?

Wherever you are, you have the opportunity to be the first one to introduce yourself to a person in line or a fellow student and to break the ice. That is a huge step.

Get to know the people around you.

Reach out to them, take an interest in them, and "...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). This, too, is a work in progress.

Don't just hope "being a good Christian and living like it" will be enough. Don't make the same mistake I have. Don't choose the easy way. Pray for God’s grace and strength for every situation.

God is with you.

Go be Bold.