What do you think of when you think of courage?
Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the presence of Jesus when you’re surrounded by fear. It’s continuing to move forward in faith, even when fear whispers in your ear. We aren’t called to shrink back, bow down or conform to or for the world. We are called to step courageously into what and where God leads us to with boldness, faith and full confidence in His Word.
When He calls us to do something, He equips us with the courage to walk it out.
-Courage flows from God’s presence.
Joshua faced a daunting task: leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. God instructed him to not rely on his own strength but to find courage in God’s presence. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9b) You can’t muster this kind of courage on your own; true courage flows from intimacy with the Holy Spirit and knowing that the Lord is with you.
-Courage rises in faith, not fear.
Fear says, “What if?” Faith says, “Even if.” David faced Goliath not because he was the strongest but because he knew the God who fought for him. Courage isn’t reckless; it’s a steady trust in the One who holds every battle in His hands. “The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
-Courage is choosing obedience.
Sometimes courage looks less like slaying giants and more like daily obedience. Choosing integrity, forgiving when it hurts, loving when it’s hard and speaking truth in love. When we walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live courageously in a world that often opposes God’s ways. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
-Courage is found in Christ.
Remember that courage is found in Christ. When you feel small, remember God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. When you feel unseen, remember the Lord goes before you and surrounds you. When you feel afraid, speak His Word and let His promises anchor your heart.
A prayer for courage:
Lord, fill me with Your courage today. Help me rise above fear and step into all that You’ve called me to do. Remind me that You are with me, You go before me and You strengthen me. May my life be a testimony of bold faith, unshakable trust and courageous obedience. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 💙
Here is what the Bible has to say about courage:
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
1 Chronicles 28:20a
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.
Ezra 10:4
Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.
Mark 6:50
They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Philippians 1:20a
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted…
Be strong & courageous,
– Carly Lynn // @car1ylynn
