The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[b] the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:35-38 NIV)
The scripture in Luke 1 illustrates an incredible exchange between an angel and a young woman named Mary. She discovers she’s been appointed to carry the Savior of the world. But there’s a major problem. Mary is engaged to be married to Joseph, and getting pregnant is a serious deal-breaker. In fact, later in the story, when Joseph finds out his virgin fiancé is carrying a baby, he decides to privately divorce her after she gives birth. Thankfully, things worked out for the couple when God found a way to speak to them to let them know that their lives had been divinely touched. God’s word never failed for them. And the same is true for us, as simplistic and ridiculous as it often seems.
Like Mary and Joseph, we tend to limit ourselves by what we think is possible. We often hesitate to take risks or step out of our comfort zones because we fear failure, or we limit our thinking by what’s already been done. However, Luke 1:37 tells us that “nothing will be impossible with God.” This scripture reminds us that we can achieve remarkable things when we have bold faith.
Bold faith is the unshakable belief that we can achieve our goals and dreams, even when they seem impossible. It's the kind of faith that enables us to take risks and pursue our passions, trusting that God will guide us along the way. When we have bold faith, we are not limited by our circumstances or our own abilities. Instead, we are empowered by the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get bogged down by the challenges of daily life. We may feel like we don’t have the time, resources, or skills to accomplish what we want. However, the truth is that we can achieve miraculous things when we have bold faith.
Think about some of the world’s greatest leaders and innovators. They didn't achieve success by playing it safe or limiting themselves. Instead, they had the bold faith to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
How can we cultivate bold faith in our lives? Here are a few tips:
1. Pray for guidance and strength: When we pray, we invite God into our lives and ask for His help. Pray for guidance and strength as we pursue our goals, and trust that God will provide.
2. Surround ourselves with positive influences: Surround ourselves with people who encourage us and lift us up. Seek out positive role models and mentors who can help us develop our faith and achieve our goals.
3. Take action: Bold faith requires action. Take steps towards our goals, even if they seem small at first. Trust that God will guide us along the way.
What if we believed in ourselves enough to pursue the impossible dreams God has given us? Instead of focusing on the obstacles and limitations, imagine what could happen if we wholeheartedly pursued those dreams. Will we answer the call to action as Mary did? And say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV). Remember, with bold faith, everything is possible. When we trust in God and believe in ourselves, we can achieve amazing things. Let’s take a step forward in faith today and pursue our dreams with confidence.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of bold faith. Show me how to depend on you for strength, wisdom, and guidance when I’m weak, unsure, and afraid. Amen.
Your Turn: What dreams have been dormant for too long in your life? Will you answer the call to action? And say, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”