Boldness as a Lion

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
(Proverbs 28:1)

As Christians we are called to live a life that shows the worth of the gospel.
“Lead a life worthy of the gospel,” Paul said. Let your life be an advertisement for how valuable the gospel is.

One of the ways that our lives show the worth of the gospel is when the gospel makes us bold and courageous and unafraid.

When one is bold and courageous, it seems like there’s not anything you can’t do! So how does one acquire boldness and courage, ‘like a lion’s?

Known as the ‘king of beasts’ the lion God has given it courage and confidence of such, that when confronted the lion refuses to retreat from any threat or attack. It’s roar can be heard miles away. No doubt, a lion is one to be reckoned with.

The gospel is a message about how wicked people can get right with God through Jesus Christ so that they have a righteousness that makes them as bold as a lion. Proverbs 30:30 describes the lion as “mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing.”

Even though God has gifted the lion to be recognized by the rest of the animal kingdom as one to be feared, we are asked in Scripture to be “bold as a lion”.
What does this mean and what are we being asked to do with it once we have it?

One way is found in Hebrews 4:16
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

To be bold is to be confident and fearless in all you do, but not to be reckless and indignant to scare people away.

Coming to God in prayer requires boldness. God has given us permission to approach Him fearlessly and confidently that: “whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.”

When you approach God in prayer, how do you show up? Are you confident or timid? Expecting to receive or just wishing and hoping? Asking or begging? Do you know you belong, or do you feel unworthy? If so maybe the best place to start is ask God at His Word to give you a fearless boldness.

Boldness is a prerequisite to receiving—because the fuel for boldness is faith. 

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God”—and that’s what we’re doing when we pray—”must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”

Matthew, chapter 21:22, says: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive.” 

When Mary went to Jesus at the wedding at Cana, and she told Him that the host was out of wine, they had a brief conversation, and then she turned to the servants and said: “Do whatever He asks you to do.”

Mary had never seen Jesus turn water into wine. In fact, she had never seen Him work any miracle, because the Scriptures say this was His first miracle. But she knew that He was the Son of God and that He was omnipotent. He had all power!

We must believe that He exists, that He is God. That He is Almighty God. That He is not limited by anything that we can think of. And then we must believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him and believe that He is good. 

We need to be bold like a lion and see for ourselves how prayer can strengthen our faith and faith will make us bold so we can come and leave God in prayer fearless and confident.

“Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
(John 16:24)

“As for me, I call to God … and He hears my voice” (Psalm 55:16-17).

Maybe today you are staring down an unresolved situation in your own life that a lack of boldness in faith has left you spiritually barren in your prayer life. God wants you to take a step of faith and know He is speaking into your heart as you read this, He wants you to be “as bold as a lion” and come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”