This post, Divine Audacity, was written by Pastor Sunday Simon for our Christian personal development blog.
Related: How to discover and fulfill life’s Purpose
Divine Audacity or Audacious faith by Prophet Elijah
The Lord God of Israel… before whom I stand.” 1Kings 17:1.
Divine audacity or audacious faith is a spiritual mindset that enables a person to take a bold and daring step, believing and trusting God for the impossible, with disregard to personal comfort or safety.
Elijah operated his prophetic calling during one of the worst times in the history of Israel. The king that ruled Israel in this period was reputed to be one of the worst rulers that had ever ruled Israel.
It was written concerning Ahab that he “did more to provoke the God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel before him.” 1kings 16:33.
Elijah demonstrated divine audacity during Period of Apostasy
It was a period of apostacy, the drifting away from the worship of the true God, the God of Israel.
Ahab and his devil incarnate wife, Jezebel, ruled Israel with iron hand, and outlawed the worship of Jehovah, thereby sending His worshippers into hiding.
Despite the prevailing situation in Israel then, Elijah confronted Ahab fearlessly. He took the battle to the king’s palace and dared king Ahab. He confronted Ahab with audacious faith with disregard to his personal safety and comfort.
He declared unequivocally before an astonished king,
“As the Lord liveth before whom I stand, there shall be no dew nor rain, these years, but according to my word.” 1Kings 17:1.
What gave Elijah such boldness?
What gave Elijah such boldness and audacity to make that statement before a despotic king, who appeared bewildered and confounded, without him ordering his arrest?
The reason is in the statement of Elijah:
“The Lord God of Israel… before whom I stand.”
Long before Elijah came to the king’s palace, he had met God. He knew he was standing before God and not before Ahab.
Elijah was a carrier of God’s presence. He was conscious of God’s presence wherever he stood. Elijah had an encountered with God. He knew God and spoke for Him.
Meeting God in the secret place
What makes people like Elijah unusual men is because they have met God. They are willing to harzard their lives and stand before God’s enemies and challenge them.
In this age of drifting away from the truth, God is looking for those who will stand on His side and speak the truth.
May the Lord help us to pay the price of meeting with God and be carriers of his presence and declare like Elijah,
” The Lord God of Israel before whom I stand.”
Divine Audacity by Apostle Peter
“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the boat, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (Matt.14:29) NKJV.
Above, we defined divine audacity or audacious faith as,
“a spiritual mindset which enables a person to take a bold and daring step, believing and trusting God for the impossible, with disregard to personal comfort or safety.”
The walking of Peter on the sea like Jesus is another story we shall use to illustrate divine audacity.
Peter’s spiritual antenna
Simon Peter is a character I admire so much among the disciples. His spiritual antenna was very sharp and connected to heaven. He was a fast learner with quick understanding.
The first time he had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and had the greatest catch of fish he ever had, he left all and followed Jesus. (Lk.5:11)
Though sometimes, because of his outspokenness, he might make some statements which often put him in trouble but his sincerity and love for the Master is undisputable and never in doubt.
Remember, when our Lord asked His disciples Who He is. It was only Peter who gave the answer any mortal had ever given about our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hear him:
“Thou at (the) Christ, the Son of the living God.” (The parenthesis added for emphasis).
Peter was so sure Jesus was the Christ
Peter did not just say, “Thou art Christ” but “Thou art (the) Christ.” The definite article (the) is very significant here.
In other words Peter was saying,
“You are the Anointed One, the expected Messiah.”
Because of his impressive answer, Peter received a commendation from the Lord:
“Blessed art thou Simon Bar-Jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee but my Father which is in heaven…. Matt. 1617-19.
Greater works we will do
Jesus Christ had taught His disciples that the work He did they would do and greater works they would do also. When there was an opportunity for them to put this teaching into practice, to walk on the sea like Jesus, it was only Peter who came out of the boat. Our Lord must have been very happy to see one His disciples wanting to “do the work I do.”
Audacious faith by Peter to walk on water
And in an act of divine audacity, Peter walked on the sea to meet Jesus!
We often speak much on Peter sinking.
Yes, he was sinking but who among the disciples performed this feat? All of them stayed in the boat. Peter had an experience none of the other disciples ever had.
Peter came out of the boat because he saw Jesus waiting for him on the sea. He knew that with Jesus on the sea with him, he was safe.
Step out of the boat
How long will you remain in your “boat” when God wants you to go and do exploits for Him?
How long will you remain in your comfort zone when God is telling you to break a new ground? What are you doing about the vision of many years that God gave you?
Leave your “boat” and take a step of faith and walk on water like Peter. Jesus is waiting for you on the other side!
“Take the first step of faith, you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” Martin Luther King Jr. counseled.
Have a great day.
About the Contribution, Pastor Sunday Simon
Pastor Sunday Simon is the author of
- An Enemy Called Comfort Zone and
- How to discover and fulfill your purpose in life
Click here to buy An enemy called comfort zone book
Click here to buy how to discover and fulfill your purpose in life book
