Brave Enough to Believe: Trade Your Doubts for Brave FaithSample

Day 2—Called Out of the Crowd

Jesus called Thomas out of the crowd to become an apostle, not amid fanfare and spectacle, but after a night spent alone in prayer. Thomas bravely left the comfort and security of all he knew to embrace the mission of Jesus.

Prayer preceded the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. Prayer is the life-giving force in our relationship with God. It is a primary way we become untangled from uncertainty and hear from God. We strengthen our prayer life as we train our ear to listen for God’s voice. We can implement the same valuable keys Jesus taught Thomas as we learn to listen well:

• find a solitary place to pray
• free yourself from distraction
• frame your situation with the truth of God’s Word

Outcomes originate in prayer. As we devote ourselves to prayer and His Word, Jesus leads us from a starting place to a sending place. When we start in the crowd, we may find safety in numbers. The crowd is comfortable and full of distractions. The crowd may allow us to stay anonymous and unchallenged. However, as we move closer to Jesus through prayer and relationship, we grow in our identity in Him and our influence with others. We impact our culture for Jesus when we’re close enough to Him to be taught and changed by Him.

Although we are not one of the twelve apostles, we have much in common with Thomas. When Thomas accepted the call to be an apostle, we can be sure he navigated a myriad of emotions. As we move from a starting place to a sending place, we need to leave behind anything that keeps us marginalized or ineffective. We don’t have to have all the answers when God calls us into a new season. It will require God-sized risks to answer God-sized assignments. He will empower you for what He asks of you. Expect the unexpected as you put your faith in God.

Question:

What is one way you sense God leading you from a starting place to a sending place?

Personal Prayer:

Jesus, help me to leave the comfort of the crowd and move closer to You through prayer and relationship. Even when I don’t have all the answers, I trust You to lead my life.