Are you feeling fearful in your life? Do you need extra courage to do something you know you need to do? Courage in the Bible is a recurring theme, reminding us that fear is a natural human response, but we are never alone. God is with us, by our side, giving us the courage to face the fears and uncertainties of life.
There’s courage, and then there’s the super-human courage that only comes from an unwavering trust in God. The Bible is full of individuals who displayed this kind of courage. And, as God incarnate, Jesus modeled it to perfection.
Finding Bravery Through Scripture
In Joshua 1:9, God asked Joshua, His chosen leader to bring the Israelites into the Promised Land: “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.”
The rhetorical nature of God’s question really drives the point home. Of course, God knows that it’s hard for us humans to get over our natural inclination to fear. But if we truly believe that God is with us wherever we go, we can follow his command to be strong and courageous.
What Does the Bible Say About Courage?
Here are four powerful statements that the Bible says about courage.
- You can take heart that God goes with you everywhere, and will never let you down. (Deuteronomy 31:6).
- Fear does not come from God, and believers can rest in God’s assurances so that fear will not affect us. Instead, we can live with God’s spirit of power, love and peace (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Courage requires obedience: Sometimes, stepping out in faith means obeying even when it’s difficult. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus follows God’s will even though he is distressed about the task He must accomplish (Matthew 26:36-46).
- God strengthens the weak: Even when we feel inadequate, God equips us for what He calls us to do (Isaiah 41:10).
3 Stories of Faith and Courage
We can learn to do this for ourselves by thoughtfully studying the Biblical examples of those who showed bravery through their reliance on God.
- David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17): Before he became king, David was just a young shepherd boy who faced the giant Goliath when no other Israelite would answer his challenge. How did He do it? Not by donning heavy armor as a big, strong warrior, but by letting God use his particular strengths. With unwavering trust in God, he used his slingshot and won the batter for God and His people. The lesson? Even the smallest or seemingly insignificant person can be used by God, and their unique characteristics can make a huge difference.
- Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6): During the Jewish people’s Babylonian exile, Daniel remained steadfast in his beliefs despite pressure to conform to Babylonian customs and the life-threatening situations of the lion’s den. The lesson? God protects and vindicates those who are standing firm in God’s strength.
- Esther’s Boldness (Esther 4:16): Queen Esther risked her life to save her people, declaring, “If I perish, I perish.” Her courage came from knowing that God had placed her in that position for a purpose, even if she could not see a solution to her position. The lesson? Trust in God’s plan even when things seem hopeless.
Courage in the Bible is not about being fearless—it’s about trusting God despite fear. By looking to Scripture and remembering God’s promises, we can find the strength to stand firm in our faith. No matter what challenges we face, we can be courageous, knowing that God is always with us.
