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“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

Not sure about you, sweet friend but rarely do I feel “bold and courageous.”  My tendency is to capitalize on my inabilities rather than trust God’s equipping and abundance of abilities. My zeroing in on “me” often robs “me” of the glory God desires to birth if I would simply choose to act and walk in His confidence.

This year, I’m approaching Bible study in totally different ways and one of them was to study women in the Bible. I’ve been using Shannon Bream’s book entitled “The Women of the Bible Speak” which side note would make for a great group study. As I read and studied these women, I found a common theme – they were all bold and courageous and like us they didn’t even realize those traits in themselves. Here’s just a few examples:

Ruth was courageous in leaving her family, culture, and friends to go to a foreign land with her mother-in-law. She boldly and courageously lay at the feet of Boaz her kinsman redeemer. (Ruth 1:16-17, Ruth 3)

Tamar was courageous and bold when she ensured an heir for her family through Judah. Showing Judah the way of righteousness, Tamar proved herself to be one who stands for right when no one else has the courage to do so. (Genesis 38)

Deborah was so closely aligned with God that she didn’t doubt His word when He ensured the people would be victorious in battle. She spoke truth with confidence and didn’t allow the unboldness of one man to deter God’s plan. (Judges 4 – 5)

Jael was quick and clever in driving a tent peg through the skull of a man who had cruelly oppressed God’s people for over twenty years. Acting decisively, she defeated the Israelites’ enemy with one blow and propelled the people into a time of peace. (Judges 4 – 5)

And we can’t forget the boldness and courage of our Savior’s mother, Mary (Luke 1:41-45). Boldly she accepted God’s assignment of carrying the Christ child in her womb. Courageously, she released him to ministry and never left his side when the cross birthed his suffering and death (John 19:26-27)

Wow – in a culture where women were devalued, quieted and ignored, God chose to equip these women for boldness and courage. Perhaps He is asking us to do the same. Our individual stories will look different, but we can do whatever God asks of us in godly boldness and confidence. Even seemingly small choices can carry great impact.  The bold choices of these women caused a chain reaction around them ultimately shaping history.

Where do we need God’s boldness and courage today?

Perhaps it’s facing a work challenge. Could it be sharing our faith with someone? Or is it taking a bold step of obedience which will have an unknown ripple effect? Perhaps it’s answering the call of God to serve others. Could it be walking through a journey of grief and sorrow yet stewarding that season well? Or is it navigating uncharted territory we never imagined? Perhaps it’s learning how to love challenging people. Regardless may we pursue boldness and courage and make 2025 the year we didn’t shrink back but pursued God wholeheartedly.

“Father thank You for planting boldness and courage within all Your children. As we move through this year help us to follow Your lead and not shrink back in doubt or fear.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life