Standing Bold – Morning Thoughts From the Edges.

Standing Bold
Pastor Calvin Cook
October 17, 2025

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NIV)

The words stopped me in my tracks and drew me into a time of holy reconciliation for myself. The words I heard were after a woman had been prayed over for receiving forgiveness and experiencing redemption. The statement that could be a confession or a prayer continues to speak and would be a good prayer for all of us to begin our day. “I just hope I can remain strong and bold.”

In a world where compromise often overrides convicting grace, standing bold for Christ is difficult and takes courage. The early disciples knew what it meant to risk everything for their faith—reputation, comfort, even their lives. They didn’t give in or blend in; they stood out. They weren’t quiet about Jesus; they declared Him openly, even when it cost them much.

Standing bold doesn’t always mean being loud. Sometimes it means refusing to give in even when everyone and everything around you seem to compromise the call of God and the move of the Holy Spirit.

When Peter and John stood before religious leaders in Acts 4:13, Scripture says the leaders “were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” That’s what holy boldness looks like—courage that comes from being in the presence of Christ. When you’ve spent time with Him, the world can’t intimidate you.

To stand bold for Christ today means:

Hold truth close when others distort it.

Shine light where there is darkness.

Live with unshakable faith, even when storms rage.

You don’t have to stand alone—Christ stands with you. He promises, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

I wrote this prayer and gave it to the person who was praying to stand bold and today I share it with you. I pray it helps draw us all closer to God and to stand boldly.

Lord Jesus, give me the courage to stand bold for You in every situation. When everyone and everything seems to come against me – give me strength. When fear whispers and compromise calls, remind me that You stood for me on the cross. May I be reminded by the presence of your Holy Spirit – that I am not alone. Let my life reflect You. May others see that I have been with You. Amen.