Look at Me!

How’s your confidence? Let godly community fuel your faith to the finish.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”
(Hebrews 10:19)

Have you ever lost your confidence? I still remember a day back in high school when I joined the wrestling team. In one match, I found myself facing an opponent who was much bigger and stronger. The moment the whistle blew, my confidence completely went away. My moves felt slow, my mind scrambled, and defeat seemed certain. Then I heard my coach yell from the sidelines, “Mark! Look at me!” I met his eyes, and he reminded me of what we’d practiced and that I could do this. Something inside me changed at that moment; my confidence came back, and I went on to win the match.

Spiritually, I think many of us have moments where the challenges in life feel bigger than we are, and our confidence slips away. The believers in Hebrews 10 were facing intense cultural pressure—so intense that their boldness in following Jesus was fading. That’s why Hebrews 10:19 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” The writer wanted them to remember the incredible access they had to God through Jesus.

In the Old Testament, Jewish worshipers were raised to believe no one could get near the Holy of Holies in the temple. Only the high priest, once a year, could enter, but under the New Covenant, you and I can come boldly into the very presence of God, not because we deserve it, but because the blood of Jesus has given us the ultimate access. Still, some of us shuffle in like we don’t belong, consumed by guilt, shame, or insecurity. Friend, if you belong to Christ, you are right where you should be. You can walk into His presence with your head held high and your heart open to receive.

To keep your confidence, you can’t do it alone. Hebrews urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Like a personal trainer pushing you forward, we need fellow believers to encourage and challenge us. When we pull away from God’s people, skip church, or disconnect from community, our spiritual confidence weakens. The harder life gets, the more you need others to speak truth, pray, and help you persevere because isolation drains faith, but godly community fuels it to the finish.

Bold Challenge:
This week, walk boldly into the presence of God every day, whether you feel “worthy” or not. Then, take one step to connect with other believers in a deeper way. Join a group, make a call, or have coffee with a Christian friend who will spur you on.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving me access to Your presence through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve let fear, guilt, or distraction keep me from drawing close. Fill me with the confidence that comes from knowing who I am in You. Help me stay connected to Your people so I can keep growing and standing strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listen to the sermon: Throw it Off

Part 1Part 2Part 3

Ministry Update from Mark

Here’s a glimpse into how God is moving through Bold Steps ministry, and why I’m so grateful for the partners who make it all possible. Just recently, I received this encouraging message from Alick Iweni in Malawi:

“It is my first time to listen to this favourite program, Bold Steps, for in it there is food for thought—more importantly, the Word of God you impart to me and other members of the Yao community. Yes, it is today that I was tuning in to other stations and luckily came across Litala FM where I heard Bold Steps program. Then I said, this is the right program I like to hear, for it has helped me change my life. Since I was born, I never heard what it means to be born anew in Jesus. Indeed, I have benefited a lot in this. Therefore, I urge you to continue dishing us such lovely programs.”

If you’ve never considered giving to support this devotional and ministry, maybe Alick’s story will inspire you. God is expanding this work in ways beyond what we could imagine, and it’s made possible by generous partners like you. Thank you for joining me in reaching hearts across the globe.

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