How to Have Bold Faith That Takes Action

I know God has a word for you in this message that could transform your life. If you want a bolder, stronger, more confident faith, this message will help you through personal stories, scripture, examples of women in the Bible, action steps, and so much more!

I want to share a story on why this message means so much to me; I believe that there is someone else who will totally get it - let me know if that person is you.

The Biblical definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1 – "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see".

I'm the kind of woman who would prefer all the steps, like here's the download from God on how to get what you want. Without faith, though, I'm saying that I don't trust you, God, and that's not good. Looking back, there are times when I did not have the faith in Him that I have now. But I believed, prayed, asked, sought, knocked, and had faith that if I looked at God and believed without seeing, He would give me His best for me.

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My faith story is how I prayed for a godly husband.

When I was 29, I started feeling done with dating and toxic relationships. I had recently gotten out of a very unhealthy relationship, and I wanted to work on myself to choose the right man and be a whole partner.

I was living in Scottsdale, working for a pharma company, and the town was new to me. I didn't have a lot of friends. I found a good home church and made the decision not to date. I committed to God that I was going to wait for Him to bring me my husband, which was funny because I always said I would never get married. Don't you think God looks at us and laughs sometimes?

I would rollerblade after work a couple of days out of the week, and as I rollerbladed, I would pray. I would listen to Reach Out I'll be there by the Four Tops, and it felt like God was saying those lyrics to me. God reassured me through this song. I felt very lonely and unsure of my future, but I had faith that God was working it all out. Those days seem like a dream now. I met my husband within that year. And I knew the moment I met him that he was the man God chose for me. Now, we often drive by where I used to rollerblade and I smile to myself knowing that God is faithful and He answers prayers.

When praying for things that are not yet seen, I often refer to the intro to James in the NKJV.

Here are the big takeaways:

• Faith takes action Fear cancels action
• Caring What people think cancels action
• Craving comfort over your calling cancels action
• Faith produces doers
• Faith must work, it must produce, it must be visible
• Faith turns straight to God and away from the world
• Faith is a verb! Not an emotion

Women in the Bible with bold faith who took action!

Mary of Nazareth, can you imagine the faith she had to have to believe she was pregnant as a virgin? Mary, the mother of Jesus, "loved God and wanted to serve Him with all her heart." Luke recounts how Mary was told by the angel that she would become the mother of Immanuel.(God with us) "'I am the Lord's servant,' Mary answered. 'May your word to me be fulfilled'" (Luke 1:38).

Esther was a queen full of faith. Even though her faith would be severely tested, she pulled through, and God used her actions to save her people.

(Esther 4:16, NLT) "If I must die, I must die" was Esther's declaration of faith and trust in God. Although Christians use Esther 4:14" For Such a Time as This", as a motivational or inspirational phrase, it's a reminder of how God has placed us where we are for His purpose. 

Deborah was a worshiping warrior, songwriter, judge, and prophetess. She successfully led Israel during a critical time through her faith in God.

Naomi's story encourages us that faith is active and that God provides his people's restoration and redemption. No matter how long we must wait, our faith is not in vain.

Ruth was an example of unwavering faith and bravery in the Bible. After being widowed early in life, she stuck with her mother-in-law and followed God for all her days, believing he would provide for her. And He did with her husband Boaz.

Hannah desperately prayed for a son and promised that she would dedicate his life to God. When God answered her prayer, she kept her word. She said, "I asked God for Him!" And she named him Samuel.

Sarah, Abraham's wife, exemplifies how God keeps his promises. After telling Abraham she would have a son, although she was barren and postmenopausal, Sarah gave birth to Isaac at 90 years old.

Rahab provided shelter to Israelite soldiers. She put her own life at risk while demonstrating faith in God. The story of Rahab, the harlot, is a beautiful tale of redemption. Like all of us, she was not perfect, yet God chose her for His love and salvation.

Mary Magdalene was a Faithful follower of Jesus. Jesus healed her from 7 demons; Mark 16:9, says that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. She is the first to touch Jesus after the resurrection and the one chosen by Jesus to announce the good news to the Apostles.

These women from the Bible all show us bold, active faith.

To activate our faith, we must believe God and His Word above all! 

Here are some key phrases to remember to help you:

• Faith says I believe God more than my fear, feelings, or circumstances, and without seeing.
• Faith shows a willingness to get uncomfortable, work hard, and keep showing up even when nothing, in reality, says the blessing is coming, but it is!
• Faith forwards all issues to Heaven.
• Fear is false evidence appearing as real.
• Where worry ends, faith begins.
• Faith is not believing God can; it's knowing He will.
• Faith says yes to God.
• Faith is where the action is!

Faith is active, and it's bold. It believes without seeing; it always follows God and His ways.

To activate your faith, you must get into action…what step could you take today? Will you?

Let's pray together!

Dear God,

‌Ignite our faith. Like the man in the Bible who said I believe; help me with my unbelief. We stand before You and present our prayers, dreams, doubts, worries, fears, and anxieties and exchange them for complete faith in You! Show us how to live for You, to keep trying, keep going, and believe again– even when nothing, in reality, says we should.

We choose Your will, Your way, knowing it will always be the best, and we mark this moment in belief, knowing that Your word says that it is impossible to please you without faith.

We rest in hope, knowing that what is impossible for us is possible for You.

I pray for every woman reading this to deepen her faith in You, get up every day, and choose to live in faith. Faith that acts, that believes, that rests in full assurance that You who call us are faithful.

In Jesus's name, amen.