Copyright Page
2018 by Erica N. Willis
Published by Chosen Books
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.chosenbooks.com
Chosen Books is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2018
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1353-9
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com
Scripture quotations identified ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011
Cover design by Emily Weigel
Endorsements
Erica Willis is not only a fantastic writer and speaker, but shes also the picture of encouragement and inspiration. Her irresistible energy, combined with relatable humor and a genuine passion for Jesus, draws the reader in to both her story and the incredible story God has written for each of us.
Mary Carver, co-author, Choose Joy: Finding Hope and Purpose When Life Hurts
Ericas fun and witty way of sharing Gods revelation in her life is compelling in an I-cant-put-it-down kind of way. Her increasing understanding and experience with the Holy Spirit will challenge and encourage you. Dont miss out. There is so much more to God than we think.
Janet McMahon, church planter; co-founding pastor, Restore Community Church, Kansas City, Missouri
Many of us want to find divine moments in the daily grind, yet they seem inaccessible or only for certain types of people. Believe Boldly serves as a guide written by a humble learner for those who want to learn how to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. With practical examples and stories of experiencing the power of God through prayer, Believe Boldly offers women hope that Jesus is able to change our hearts to live out His love in powerful ways.
Jessica Leep Fick, author, Beautiful Feet: Unleashing Women to Everyday Witness
Ericas words are the reminder that every normal mom needsa fierce truth that our unchanging God is no less present and miraculous for us in the midst of diapering and making peanut butter sandwiches than He was for Moses on the mountain top, and that He holds us just as dear.
Jenny Rapson, editor, ForEveryMom.com
If the church has a lost art, its prayer. Erica pulls back the drapes of what it means to prayreally prayand invites us all into that divine adventure. This is not a theoretical, analytical or philosophical book about prayer. This book is prayer, and in it Erica gives a real-life playbook for the real-life Christ follower. Simple and magnificent, current and timeless. Bravo, Erica!
Paige Henderson, co-founder, Fellowship of the Sword Ministries
Erica Willis truly is one of those people who oozes Jesus. As she shared her journey into complete obedience and abandonment to Holy Spirit, I realized I was asking myself, Sam, are you seeking Holy Spirit like that? As you read, my prayer is that what Father has done in Erica will encourage you to fix your eyes on Him and jump into all that He invites you to.
Sam Perry, worship pastor and lover of the Bride; founder, BackPorchMinistries.org
Ericas excitement for God comes through in every line of Believe Boldly . She has experienced the power of prayer and surrender to the Holy Spirit in amazing ways, and she invites you, through this book, to embark on your own journey with God. With relatable stories and infectious joy, Erica shares from her heart and encourages us to take bold steps of faith and believe Him for moreof everything.
Rachel Anne Ridge, author, Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me about Life , Faith, and Second Chances and Made to Belong: A 6-Week Journey to Discover Your Lifes Purpose
Dedication
To Joey, the man who captured my heart but never tried to tame it.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Endorsements
Dedication
Foreword by Suzanne Eller
Acknowledgments
Part One: My Doubting Heart
1. Normals vs. Supers
2. Do Not Be Afraid of the Dark
3. Baby Steps
4. Passion and Perseverance
Part Two: Gods Perfect Truth
5. Satan Is a Jerk
6. Armor Up
7. His Presence
8. Shedding Skin
9. Good-bye Fear
10. Stomach Grumblings
11. Who Untied My Bowtie?
12. Healing
13. Dream a Little Dream
14. Best of Both Worlds
About the Author
Back Cover
Foreword
Our world doesnt fully understand Christianity right now. Some look at faith and wonder if it is contained in a church building. Others decide that if it is what is portrayed on social media, they will pass. Others long for truth and hope, but it feels as though Christianity is for only those who have it all together.
But what about us, those who call ourselves believers?
Sometimes we can get just as tangled in what looks like Christianity.
That is why I love Believe Boldly so much. It is an honest look at how we linger right on the edge of what Jesus promised, when He is inviting us to jump into the deep with Him. It feels as though I am sitting with a good friend as we unwrap the amazing promises Jesus shared.
As I write these words, I have just returned from a weekend of ministry. Women flew and drove in from all over the nation. All weekend long we soaked in the beauty of the rustic, secluded ranch where we stayed. We explored the promises of God. We prayed.
These are women who long to make a difference in the world with their faith. They drove long distances because they want to follow Jesus, wherever He leads, whatever He asks, whatever miracle He wants to do in or through them. They understand that Jesus loves them and that He rescued them.
They dare to believe there is even more than that initial and beautiful encounter with Jesus.
Jesus invites His followers to encounter Him dailywith strangers, in our relationships, in our homes, in our workplaces and in the hardest parts of ministry. He invites us to listen for His voice and surrender in response.
He asks us to believe that His promises are for today.
We are called and compelled to be salt and light in a world that doesnt understand Him but is seeking truth.
That is why Believe Boldly resonates in my soul. It is a song that plays over me while I go about my daily routine, wearing my OU T-shirt and yoga pants, my hair in a ponytail. I am an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, yet I dare to believe that when we believe, we are loosed to live our faith boldly.
Our faith changes us, and then it changes the world around us.
If you are spiritually hungry for all that Jesus offers...
If you long to walk with other women who long to make a difference with their faith...
If you are crying out for God to restore the joy of your salvation...
Believe Boldly just might be the spark that begins that beautiful work in you and through you.
I believe that God is raising up an army of Jesus followers to live our faith shoulder to shoulder. Loving him. Loving the world tangibly. Believing boldly together .