Learn 8.2

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If you’ve ever felt like you don’t measure up—that your courage to speak about Jesus pales in comparison to others—you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in some pretty remarkable company.

Flip through the Gospels and you’ll see it: even Jesus’ closest friends wavered. The Holy Spirit made sure we’d see those very human moments—times when the disciples doubted, argued, misunderstood, and, in the darkest hour, scattered in fear. It’s all there, not to shame them, but to remind us that weakness is part of the journey.

But here’s the hope: that’s not where their story ended.

Maybe you’re just starting to wrestle with what bold faith looks like. Maybe you’ve tripped up more than once. So did they. And yet, Jesus didn’t give up on them—and He’s not giving up on you. The same Spirit who transformed frightened fishermen into fearless witnesses can grow that same courage in you. Bold faith isn’t something you have to muster up on your own; it’s a gift God delights to cultivate in hearts willing to trust Him. God doesn’t discard the doubtful—He transforms them, cultivates them into the bold.

Consider What the Bible Says

This is one of the most compelling mentor–student relationships in the Bible—the story of Elijah and Elisha. Their journey together shows us something powerful: bold faith isn’t built in isolation; it grows when we walk closely with those who are already living it.

Elisha was mentored by none other than Elijah, one of Israel’s greatest prophets, at a pivotal moment—just before Elijah’s ministry on earth would end in a whirlwind of fire and glory. Soon, Elisha would have to step into the role of God’s prophetic voice to a rebellious nation. This was no job for the faint of heart.

Yes, Elijah’s fiery chariot ride into heaven grabs our attention—but hidden in the shadows of that spectacle are practical, down-to-earth steps for anyone who wants to grow a bold, unshakable faith. As we follow Jesus, these same steps can shape us into people who not only believe but also act with courage when it matters most.

Surround Yourself with Bold Faith

Read: 2 Kings 2:6–8 (NLT)

Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together. Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground.

It’s often easier to admire great faith in others than to grow it in ourselves. Elisha understood that, which is why one of his wisest decisions was simply this—he stayed close to Elijah. Even when Elijah told him multiple times to stay behind, Elisha refused to let distance dilute his opportunity to learn.

Stay close to the faithful, and their courage will ignite your own.

One of the fastest ways to grow bold faith is proximity—walking closely with people whose trust in God stretches and inspires our own.

Choose to Take Bold Steps of Faith

Read: 2 Kings 2:9–12 (NLT)

When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.” And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.” “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.” As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.

Elisha’s faith had been growing for years, but here it rises to a defining moment—a fearless request for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing. That wasn’t a polite, cautious prayer; it was bold, specific, and loaded with expectation.

If Elisha had kept silent, he would have forfeited a life-changing blessing. The same is true for us—bold faith often takes its first breath when we dare to ask God for things so big they scare us.

Bold faith begins when we ask God for more than we think possible.

Trust God to Honor Your Bold Faith

Read: 2 Kings 2:13–15 (NLT)

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River. He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Elisha didn’t stand around wondering if God had come through—he moved as if the answer was already yes. He approached the very river Elijah had parted, struck the water with Elijah’s cloak, and put his faith on the line in front of everyone. The water obeyed, parting once again. In that instant, God didn’t just confirm Elisha’s calling in his own heart—He made it clear to every set of eyes watching that His power was now with Elisha. Faith isn’t proven by feelings—it’s proven when you act like God has already answered.

Reflect — I Have Bold Faith

Most of us won’t ever split a river in two or take a fiery chariot ride into heaven. But the real beauty of Elisha’s story isn’t in the fireworks—it’s in the footsteps he took, the ones we can take too.

Bold faith isn’t some distant prize for spiritual elites. It’s within reach—right now. Your next step doesn’t have to be headline-worthy; it just has to be faithful. And when you take it, you’ll find that God delights in meeting you there, turning small acts of trust into powerful moments of His presence.

"Bold faith starts with small, faithful steps God delights to honor."

Activate

Faith grows every time you say yes to God’s invitation.

Faith was never meant to sit on the sidelines—it’s a muscle designed for daily use. Every time we put it into action, it grows stronger. Neglect it, and it starts to fade.

That’s why every opportunity—big or small—is worth seizing. Each one is a personal invitation from God to stretch, to trust, and to become the man or woman He created you to be. Your faith doesn’t grow by accident; it grows because you keep saying yes.

Like Elisha at the river, step forward, strike the water—and watch God make a way.