Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Hope you enjoy the new look to our website and now our blog! Hands in a receiving posture pointed upward to God accompanied by the words “You can receive healing, forgiveness, freedom, deliverance, renewal in Jesus’ name” appear on our website’s homepage. These words reflect what can happen in your life and the life of others, when you accept God’s invitation to come boldly to His throne of grace. Our blog’s new name “Living Courageously” encapsulates this reality.
One of the most foundational steps you can take for “Living Courageously” is coming boldly to God’s throne of grace. This courageous act involves turning your eyes away from yourself – your own good works or the lack thereof – and fixing your eyes on Jesus Christ and His finished work. For it is only through the blood of Jesus, “the new and living way,” that you will be ever be able to have boldness to enter into God’s presence, into the Most Holy Place. (Hebrews 10:19)
“Boldly” comes from the Greek word “parresia.” Not only does it mean fearless confidence or cheerful courage, but it also can mean freedom of speech. Because freedom of speech was restricted during the New Testament times, such boldness was often met with not only resistance but hostility and punishment. The Holy Spirit wants you to know that you can speak openly and honestly to God without fear of being punished. If you consider the frankness of David’s prayers before God as revealed in the Psalms, you will understand the freedom you have before God to share what is exactly on your heart.
“Obtain” comes from the Greek word “lambano.” Lambano emphasizes the assertiveness of the receiver. It creates the picture of actively or aggressively taking or laying hold of something. The woman with the issue of blood is a beautiful example of lambano. She was not passive; she did not wait for Jesus to come to her. But rather, she pursued Jesus not letting anything or anyone stop her from receiving her healing. At times lambano can also refer to easily receiving something that is freely given.
“Help” comes from the Greek word “boetheia.” This word has a military connotation for helping a fellow soldier who is captured or struggling in battle. The moment the alert for help is heard, immediate action is taken to protect and to save. When you pray, presenting your needs or the needs of someone else before God, Jesus the Mighty Warrior begins to take action, saving, healing, and delivering.
No matter what you are facing right now, you have a standing invitation from your heavenly Father to come to His throne of grace to receive His help – to receive His mercy and His grace. Yes, it takes courage to come to Him, believing you will receive mercy rather than judgment and grace rather than heavy-handedness. Yes, it takes courage to pray for yourself or for others or to ask others to pray for you. But, will you say “yes” to His invitation? Will you come to Him? Will you let Jesus, the most courageous person who ever lived, teach you how to live courageously before God’s throne of grace?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I receive your invitation to live courageously before You. Everyday, in each and every situation I face, help me to remember Your standing invitation to come boldly to Your throne of grace, speaking honestly and openly to You. With Your help I will lay hold of the mercy and grace You have offered; I will lay hold of the healing, forgiveness, freedom, deliverance and renewal in Jesus’ name. Thank-You Jesus for fighting with me and for me and for manifesting Your victory!