Holy boldness is a concept deeply rooted in faith, a spiritual fortitude that empowers individuals to take decisive actions in the face of adversity. It embodies the courage to stand firm in one’s beliefs, to proclaim the truth, and to undertake challenges, trusting in divine guidance. In the Bible, we see numerous accounts where this boldness leads to significant victories over adversaries. For instance, the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) exemplifies how, through clear strategy and faithful preparation, a seemingly insurmountable foe can be conquered. David’s unwavering faith and courageous willingness to confront Goliath armed only with a sling and stones serve as a powerful reminder of how divine strength can manifest through bold actions.
Another biblical illustration of holy boldness is found in the lives of the Israelites as they faced the fortified city of Jericho. God instructed them to march around the city walls for seven days (Joshua 6). This unconventional strategy required not only faith but also a bold commitment to follow what may have seemed ludicrous. On the seventh day, when they shouted and blew their trumpets, the walls came tumbling down, demonstrating how strategic planning, combined with steadfast belief, can yield miraculous outcomes. Here, holy boldness led to victory by relying on God’s promises rather than human understanding.
Additionally, Daniel’s unwavering faith illustrates holy boldness when he continued to pray to God despite the edict that forbade it (Daniel 6). Daniel’s determination to remain faithful even under the threat of a lion’s den exemplifies how strength in conviction can lead to divine rescue and serve as a witness to others around him. His commitment to his beliefs inspired boldness in others, leading King Darius to acknowledge the power of Daniel’s God after witnessing his deliverance.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exemplifies holy boldness throughout his ministry. In Acts 4:29, Paul and the other apostles prayed for boldness to proclaim the word of God, despite persecution. Their unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel and their fearless preaching even in the face of imprisonment shows how divine boldness can be a catalyst for transformation, both personally and within communities. This reinforces the notion that consistent and courageous action leads to profound changes in society.
Regions around the world today provide modern-day illustrations of righteous determination. Take, for instance, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., who embodied holy boldness in his pursuit of justice and equality. King’s message of love, courage, and resistance against oppression was marked by strategic planning, courageous actions, and unwavering faith in the cause. His “I Have a Dream” speech became a rallying cry for millions, illustrating how holy boldness can inspire collective action toward societal change.
Similarly, Malala Yousafzai’s fight for girls’ education in Pakistan exemplifies holy boldness on a global scale. Despite facing threats to her life, she stood firm in her beliefs and continued to advocate for the right to education. Her determination led to international recognition and a Nobel Peace Prize, demonstrating how righteous determination and consistent efforts can lead to impactful change and successes against oppressive forces.
The effectiveness of consistent and well-thought-out planning cannot be overstated. In the biblical story of Nehemiah, we see a man appointed to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after they were destroyed. Nehemiah gathered resources, organized laborers, and set a clear plan, displaying strategic foresight and holy boldness as he faced opposition (Nehemiah 4:14). His unwavering focus and commitment to his vision eventually led to the successful rebuilding of the city walls, a clear testament to how dedicated efforts can overcome significant obstacles.
Moreover, in the realm of business, we often find parallels to this notion of holy boldness. Effective leaders such as Howard Schultz of Starbucks used bold strategies and innovative planning to turn a small coffee chain into a global phenomenon. Schultz’s visionary thinking and willingness to take risks have shown that bold action can lead to exceptional success in the business world, reinforcing the biblical principles of strategic planning and execution.
As we examine both ancient and modern accounts of holy boldness, it becomes clear that it is not merely the act of being daring but rather the combination of faith, strategy, and commitment that leads to success. It reassures believers that, regardless of the challenges, with a clear vision and bold action, they can overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable. This principle is as applicable in everyday life as it is in the extraordinary narratives found in scripture, illustrating that the essence of holy boldness is timeless.
Cheers to your successes!
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
References
LaHaye, T. (2002). The Battle for the Mind: A Culmination of an Important International Conference in the Mind Sciences. The Tyndale House Publishers.
Maxwell, J. C. (2001). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You. Thomas Nelson.
Yousafzai, M. (2013). I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. Little, Brown and Company.
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 