Courage

According to Mirriam-Webster, “Courage is defined as the “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” It implies a firm, resolute state of mind, often involving the ability to act rightly despite fear or adversity.

Godly Courage is defined as a faith-fueled, divine empowerment to act in obedience to God’s will, regardless of fear, danger, or personal cost.

Rooted in reliance on God’s strength rather than self, it involves standing firm in faith that He is present, sovereign, and faithful to His promises.

      . Actionable Obedience: It is not just feeling brave, but doing what is right

                     (e.g. Joshua leading Israel, or speaking truth when unpopular).

       . Fearless Through Faith: Often described as “good cheer” (Mark 6:50) or

                      boldness and confidence “despite feeling afraid.”

Example 1 (David and Goliath): David challenged Goliath because he trusted God

                       to deliver him, not his own strength.

Example 2 (Esther): Queen Ester risked her life to approach the king for her

                       people, saying “If I parish, I perish.”

Example 3 (The Apostles): Early believers continued preaching despite

                       persecution, relying on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.

Godly courage is a “power equal to the task” that comes from the assurance that

God goes before you, is within you, and will not forsake you, often enabling one to act as a witness for God’s kingdom.

In this world of today, challenges face us from every direction. Moral, physical, ethical, political, and the list is endless. Often fear grips me for the future of our children and the world they face. Biblical morals are perceived as “old fashion” and unacceptable by the youth of today. Lack of a moral compass is found in every aspect of today’s society.                    

I also question myself about the future. Truthfully, I ask myself where will I find courage to face the problems we are confronted with. When the time comes will I stand boldly as David? Will I find the heart to encourage others around me? When the time comes will I seek God’s face or will I melt like so many others. These things are true! These are things we must all face. Will we take a stance for all the world to see….

I know that I am not alone. I know that thoughts like these confront every believer at one point or another. Each of us has been given a compass to guide us along this path of life. I do not have all the answers and I do not proclaim to understand why we must face the challenges of life.

What I do know beyond any doubt…. Fear is not of God! Fear of the unknown or the problems we face is not something you can reach out and touch. You cannot put your hands on it but it is very real. It grabs you at your core and it will not let go. Whatever it is that you have a fear of is very real, and wants to control you.

You can overcome fear. This I also know to be true. Yes, you take control by giving your control away. You overcome by giving it to God. You take what you are afraid of and give it to the Father. Here! Take this. I freely give it to You, and place my trust and life into Your hands. Then trusting that God has you step out boldly.

For the longest time as a child, I grew up having a fear of heights. It was all I could do to climb beyond ten feet. I envied those who could jump out of airplanes or repel off a cliff. I knew that I had this fear and I wanted so much to be like my friends. I wanted to be free from fear.

The day came when I knew I would be afraid for the rest of my life or free from fear. I chose to be free. I chose to trust God with my life. I gave my fear to our Lord and had a whole new world open before me. God took my fear and allowed me to experience a whole new exciting world.

I have jumped out of a plane. I became a high Angle Rescue Instructor. I taught police and fire departments, ROTC teams, and industrial rescue teams how to come off a ten-story building, climb cliffs, or make a rescue off a 120’ foot crane. This would never EVER have happened if I had not chosen to give God control.

Still, there is another aspect of courage. Will it be there when I need it? Where does it come from? You don’t just reach out and grab hold of courage. There will come a time in your life where you are going to need courage…. Where you must take action for your life or for the life of another.

Where will courage come from? You must trust in God with all your heart and know He is in control. Courage is something you will feel deep within your gut.

You won’t need to think about it. It will all happen in a micro second. You are in need of courage and in that instant of time GOD our Heavenly Father will move upon you.

Godly Courage Definition:

Your instinctive drive to reach for God’s hand when faced with the impossible.

Instantaneous and unstoppable action following Gods direction. Yes, when the time comes, you will find the courage you need. All praise and honor and Glory are to be given to God.