ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

Bold Belief Moments

By Clay Elliott

READY:

“One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer, ‘Come on; let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.’” – 1 Samuel 14:1a

SET:

The Israelite warrior Jonathan made this suggestion to his armor bearer almost on a whim. We really have no idea how the thought came to him, but when you look at the context you realize that he’d decided to go to battle and that the odds were against him. The enemy had 20 warriors in a well-protected garrison, and Jonathan was going in to fight them with one measly teammate.  

I would call this a “bold belief moment.” This situation oozes with courage (or craziness)! Jonathan just decided to get after it with no guarantees and almost certain death. The two were not only outmanned, they were out weaponed, out positioned, and every move they made could be seen by the enemy. How could they win?

Have you ever made a bold belief move as a Christian athlete? Maybe not as crazy as Jonathan’s but maybe something like going out to the middle of the field before a game and kneeling in prayer? Or inviting your entire team to FCA or church? Or writing a note to your coach saying how your faith makes you the player you are?  

A few verses later, the Bible tells us that this one bold belief moment by Jonathan resulted in other crazy happenings:  

• The enemy ran away in fear.

• The Israelite traitors rejoined the team.

• Israelite cowards that had been hiding in the trees entered the battle.  

Sometimes one bold belief moment by one person can wreck the world! Why not be that one?

GO:

1. Can you think of other bold belief moments that inspired many?

2. Can you think of bold belief moments that you could go and do?

3. Would you choose one today and implement it?

WORKOUT:

• 2 Samuel 14:15-23

• Luke 19:45

OVERTIME:

“Father, people who make bold belief moves are inspiring. Compel me to make a bold belief moment for You! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”