Courage, a Vital Trait for Growth and Life Change

In the Bible, we find many figures with courageous character, such as Moses, Joshua, David, Jesus, Paul, and many more. I became interested in exploring what made these people chosen by God so brave in doing His work.

The opposite of courage is fear. Common causes for someone being struck by fear include: worrying that situations will not go as expected, lack of self-confidence, not trusting others, and not depending enough on God.

So, how can we overcome fear and become courageous?

The Importance of Courage

Why is courage important? Because, to create change in life, the first step we must take is courage. When you want to repent, you must dare to leave sin behind. If you want to live righteously, you must dare to do what is right in God's sight, without compromise.

We become courageous when:

Courageous Because Our Hearts Are Right

The wicked flee, though no one pursues them, but the righteous are confident like a young lion. – Proverbs 28:1

A person whose heart is not right will always be filled with fear. For example, when trying to lie, even before being questioned deeply, this person will try to avoid the question by turning the conversation to other things. On the other hand, an honest person will boldly answer every question according to the truth.

Courageous Because We Hope in God

Since we have such a hope, we act with great boldness. – 2 Corinthians 3:12

Paul was so bold in doing God's work because he hoped in God. He believed his work was not in vain because he did it for God's glory. Therefore, God vindicated Paul.

Whatever we do today, if it is for God, we will act boldly. For example, we dare to stand out as employees who are honest and diligent when our coworkers are lazy, because our hearts are motivated to do it for God. 

Remembering God's Promises

“Have I not commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

God promised to be with Joshua in leading the people of Israel into the promised land. This gave Joshua courage, so he commanded every troop leader to prepare to occupy the land that God would give them.

Whenever I go through struggles, I try to remember and rediscover God's promises in my quiet time . Knowing God's faithful character gives me fresh enthusiasm to live, because I believe God never leaves me.

Aware of God's Extraordinary Presence

“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria and all the army with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God, who helps us and fights our battles.” By these words of Hezekiah, king of Judah, the people regained their confidence. – 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

When Jerusalem was surrounded by the powerful Assyrians, logically it would be difficult for the people of Judah to win the battle. However, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah believed that God heard their prayers and would deliver them from the siege of the Assyrian army. The faith of Hezekiah and Isaiah lifted the people's spirits, so that they believed in God's presence, which was far more extraordinary than the strength of the enemy.

We become fearful when we face problems or conditions that are outside our comfort zone. However, by knowing and trusting in God's power that surpasses human limitations, we will not run away from problems. We will have the courage to face and resolve every problem that exists. 

Having the Holy Spirit

And when they were praying, the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, then they spoke the word of God boldly. – Acts 4:31

A very striking contrast can be seen in Jesus' disciples before they were filled with the Holy Spirit and afterward. Before that, they were filled with fear, despair, and did not know what to do. After experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit, they became enthusiastic and bold in proclaiming God's word.

There is no need to worry, because the Holy Spirit Himself will give courage. The Holy Spirit has tremendous power, and we can activate it by living out God's word in our daily lives. What we say must match the reality of what we do; this is what makes us bold in relating to others.

Pray

… also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that with boldness I may proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I serve as an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. – Ephesians 6:19-20

Besides being bold in preaching the gospel, Paul was also intelligent and wise, and knew what he should say. However, the verse above tells us that Paul still needed prayer. He understood that evangelism could happen when God opened the opportunity. 

When you are afraid to face something, pray and ask for God's help. Surely He will equip you with the things you need to get through the challenges before you.

Looking at the Example of Fellow Believers

And most of the brothers and sisters in the Lord have become confident because of my imprisonment and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear. – Philippians 1:14

Many of Paul's fellow believers eventually became bold in preaching God's word because they followed Paul's example of courage. Prison did not limit Paul's evangelistic work; it is even said that he became even bolder.

Courage Is Contagious

Courage can be contagious. Look at the example of people who are influential for you—brothers and sisters in faith, mentors, friends, and become a person who is more courageous.

Feelings of fear will hinder us in many things, making it difficult for us to become better people, grow, and become victorious. However, many godly character traits can be attained by cultivating courage. Start taking your steps of courage one by one today.

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Reference:
www.desiringgod.org/articles/christian-courage

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