What Is Courage?

Courage is about bravery. I admire Daniel for his bravery as one of my favorite characters in the Old Testament. Let’s review his story.

DANIEL 

Daniel, a young teenager, was among the exiles taken to Babylon from his homeland (2 Kings 23:36–24:2). In a foreign country, Daniel couldn’t worship his God, Jehovah. He would face a penalty if they caught him worshipping. His punishment was to cast him into a lion’s den. But Daniel showed bravery because he wasn’t afraid of the king’s decree. Daniel continued to pray, and God miraculously saved him and his friends.

An early Christian martyr named Perpetua received severe persecution during her time. Authorities arrested her for being a Christian. In prison, her father pressured her to renounce her faith in God. But her reply was, Father, do you see this vase here? Can it have a different name?

He said no. She affirmed that no one can call me anything other than what I am—a Christian.

Perpetua remained faithful until the end, despite her execution. 

Unlike Daniel, someone executed her.

What is your courage level—strong or weak? Are you bold in your faith, regardless of the results of either death or life?

Develop Courage Through Prayer And Faith:

1. Draw Near To God:

Prioritize finding daily quiet time with God. This requires a well-balanced discipline Christian Walk to be in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word. Choose a distraction-free place for you and God, where you can solely focus on listening to His voice. If you have kids, you might choose early in the morning before they wake. Alternatively, if you prefer to sleep late, you could opt to choose before bedtime. Whatever you choose, be consistent. Pray, listen, and ask God to speak to your heart as you study His Word. Ask Him to reveal Himself through His Word and how to put it into practice. If you seek Him diligently, you will find His wisdom and comfort. That’s a true promise (James 1:5; Isaiah 55:6-7; Hebrews 4:16). Above all, bring your worries, anxieties, and concerns to God. Admit that you are afraid, and ask Him to grant you grace for your challenges, as well as the ability to trust in Him to help you overcome them. Psalm 31:24 reads, “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”

2. Develop Courage Through The Counsel Of Mature And Wise Believers:

The Bible says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22.

You might require a sympathetic ear, a supportive shoulder, or guidance from a seasoned Christian. You require someone who can understand your situation and be there for you unconditionally. Someone you can trust to build you up, not tear you down, is someone you can truly confide in. Your church counselor, pastor, or close friend qualifies to be that kind of individual. The community of believers, or God’s people, is to support, pray for, and show one another love. We need others to provide insight and support.

3. Develop A Faith-Based Trust In Your Relationship Through God’s Promises:

When you face a trial, experience a hard test, or go through a hardship, retreat to God’s Word and search for Scriptures that speak truth to your spirit. God’s Word brings comfort and provides courage when you’re lonely, fearful, or seeking answers. It always provides rest and an inner peace that passes all understanding. It brings healing to the weary soul (Psalm 103). Claim Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

4. Develop Faith Through Studying And Obeying God’s Word:

Realize those areas of where you are fearful and confront them with Scriptures. Memorize, stand your ground, and trust in God’s power to give complete victory over those areas. Trust in God through failures, and never give up. It takes time to develop a faith walk, and it doesn’t come overnight. Know God is by your side, fighting for you all the way to the finish line (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 139:5). Be a good soldier, persevere, and God promises a reward to those who love Him (2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4; 12).   

5. Develop Faith Through Previous Victories:

I practiced and found it tremendously crucial in my faith walk to keep a prayer journal. I recorded all requests under the following headings: date, request, and answer. I was involved for a whole year in this setup. As I reflected on God’s answering prayer, it strengthened my faith, gave me courage by experiencing His deliverance, and reminded me of His faithfulness. It refueled my courage in my present circumstances because I developed trust in Him through His work in my past situations. I realized His grace and power are sufficient for everything I need, and I rest in His wonderful promises. Faith is believing in the invisible, and He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

Moment To Reflect:

Seek God, wise counsel, and mature faith; study God’s Word while reflecting on victories to find courage. God provides daily strength to conquer challenges, trials, and the weariness of the soul. He is your great comforter to lean upon. As you trust in Him, He changes you to walk boldly in obedience, knowing His presence is with you each step of your journey.