When God Calls You to Be Bold
By Bianca Schaefer
Many of us have been taught that the path to leadership is paved with patience.
We wait to be invited.
We wait for the right timing.
We wait until we feel fully ready—confident, equipped, certain.
And often, that waiting is exactly what God asks of us. It refines us. It builds humility, deepens our faith, and helps us listen. There is wisdom in not rushing ahead of God.
But there are also moments when we’ve waited long enough—when God begins to stir something new. And the invitation shifts from wait to step forward.
It can be hard to recognize that moment. Especially if we've grown comfortable with waiting. But Scripture is full of women who understood that leadership often means responding when the time comes—ready or not.
Esther waited until it became clear that her position wasn’t just for her benefit, but for a greater purpose. And when the moment arrived, she didn’t back down. She risked everything to speak up for her people. “If I perish, I perish,” she said (Esther 4:16). Her courage changed history.
Priscilla, a teacher and mentor in the early church, didn’t wait for a platform or a title. Alongside her husband Aquila, she helped shape Apollos into a more effective leader (Acts 18:26). Her leadership wasn’t loud or self-promoting—it was faithful, timely, and bold.
And then there’s Jael, whose courage is often overlooked. In a pivotal moment, with no formal title or training, she acted decisively and delivered Israel from its enemy (Judges 4:21). She didn’t wait for someone else to show up. She recognized the moment—and responded.
These women didn’t push ahead of God. But when He moved, they moved too.
Paul’s words to Timothy offer encouragement for us today:
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Maybe you’re sensing something stirring in your heart—a nudge toward leadership, mentoring, or starting something new. Maybe leadership training or development has been on your mind, but you’re unsure if it’s the right time.
If you’ve been in a season of waiting, that may have been exactly what God asked of you.
But what if now… He’s asking you to be bold?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You that I don’t have to be perfect to be used by You. Remind me today that Your grace is enough — more than enough. Teach me to lead from a place of surrender, trust, and wholehearted dependence. Amen.