Bravery: displaying courage, especially when facing danger or adversity. A brave person might face challenges head-on, despite feelings of fear.
Boldness: a daring spirit or the willingness to take risks. A bold individual doesn’t just face challenges but does so audaciously.
When we trust the Lord He will give us both bravery and boldness.
Think of David facing Goliath. Courage in the face of danger and the willingness to take the risk.
“ David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me using sword, spear, and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. 46 Today the Lord will let me defeat you. I will kill you. I will cut off your head and feed your body to the birds and wild animals. And we will do the same thing to all the other Philistines too. Then all the world will know there is a God in Israel. 47 All the people gathered here will know that the Lord doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. The battle belongs to the Lord, and he will help us defeat all of you.” I Samuel 17:45-47 ERV
Bravery and Boldness has always been at the forefront of the life of those who followed God. Hundreds of years later, the Christians were facing persecution. They were imprisoned, beaten, and even killed.
“They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death. 3 The Jewish leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept them in jail until the next day.,, 24 When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God with one purpose. They said… 28 These people who came together against Jesus made your plan happen. It was done because of your power and your will. 29 And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear. 30 Help us to be brave by showing us your power. Make sick people well. Cause miraculous signs and wonders to happen by the authority of Jesus, your holy servant.”
31 After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak God’s message without fear.” Acts 4 ERV
We may not experience arrest and beatings because we speak out for Jesus, but we may. We may lose friendships, business relationships and standing in social circles. It’s time for bravery and boldness.
The Apostle Paul penned these words: “I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also.” Romans 1:16 NLV
Be grateful that the Lord has called us to be brave and bold. It means that He is investing His power to change lives through us.