Courage: The Inner Strength to Overcome Fear and Walk in Faith

Courage is the inner quality that enables a person to face danger and difficulty with calmness, confidence and boldness—standing as the opposite of cowardice and fear. It is not the absence of fear, but rather the decision that something is more important than the fear that seeks to paralyze us.

Understanding True Courage

Both courage and the lack of it are largely mental attitudes. Courage does not eliminate anxiety or remove fear, but rises above it, making the sound judgment that something is more important than crippling fear. An overcomer knows the goal they want to reach, refusing to be inhibited or prevented from achieving it by any fear or apprehension. They will tackle the obstacles, and although there will be setbacks, their tenacity and courage will help them accomplish their goal.

Courage is a positive belief—"We are well able to…"—while the negative perspective of fear is "We can't" (Num 13:30-31). One mindset opens up exciting possibilities as we make potential a reality, while the other limits and blocks progress when faced with obstacles and challenges. Initial apprehension and fear at the enormity of the task is often the human response to the Lord's call, because it is always bigger than we can achieve on our own. The Bible records the responses of Moses and Gideon (Ex 3:11ff; Jdg 6:15). By stepping out in faith and acting courageously often, we will be pleasantly surprised how our faith is rewarded.

God's Promise and Our Response

Courage is refusing to let fear dictate our actions or risk missing opportunities to grow. Experiencing fear is not an excuse—God expects us to do what He has asked of us. God says, "Fear not, for I am with you…" (Isa 41:10). Look at who is by your side. He will never call us to do anything He won't give us the ability to carry out, so we can claim, "I can do everything [that He asks of me] through Him who gives me strength" (Phil 4:13).

It takes courage to try, knowing that both success and failure are possibilities

Courage is relying on God—confidently in faith. It says, "With His help I can do it" (Ps 121:1-2). "When I am afraid, I will trust in you" (Ps 56:3). Many times the Bible states, "Be strong and of good courage" (Deut 31:6-7,23; Josh 1:6-7,9; 1 Chr 28:20). The Psalmist said, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage. And He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord" (Ps 27:14).

The Lord is with us; He has conquered the world, nothing can stand against us His children, and nothing can separate us from His great love (Jn 16:33; Rom 8:31,35-39). Regardless of what this world does to us, if we are truly part of His eternal family, heaven awaits (Mt 10:28; Jn 17:3; 1 Jn 2:24-25, 5:20). We understand the foreknowledge and sovereignty of God, whose plans and purposes will come to pass and whose omnipotence makes every circumstance of life come into line with His will.

Standing Boldly in Conviction

The eternal God is our refuge; therefore, we can be bold as we rest in His security (Deut 33:27). Don't compromise your moral standards by giving in to pressure from others but have the courage to stand alone on your convictions. To obey God is more important than to obey people (Act 5:29). Courage is also needed to confront issues that need to be cleared up, to admit to mistakes we have made, and to speak up for the cause of Christ. Pilate, when handling the trial of Jesus, showed he did not have courage but gave in to the crowd (Lk 23:1-25).

We can gain courage by praying for boldness then acting in spite of obstacles, opposition, and the butterflies within (Act 4:29,31). Don't be intimidated, knowing that greater is He (the Holy Spirit) who is within, than he who is in the world (1 Jn 4:4). We, too, can say, "With him [the world] is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chr 32:8).

David had an intimate relationship with God as well as a record of accomplishment of overcoming wild beasts, so he was not intimidated by Goliath. His confidence was in the Lord, not the size of the problem coming against him (1 Sam 17:45-47). His attitude and faith stand in contrast to that of Saul and the Israelite soldiers who were controlled by fear, seeing the size of Goliath in the physical realm.

With God I can – Philippians 4:13

We also need to control our thinking by focusing on who is for us—the all-powerful creator God—when confronted with choices as they have significant repercussions depending on the decision we make. It is essential to hear from God and then follow Him in faith, often regardless of peer pressure and the temptation to settle for the tried and comfortable, instead of stepping outside our comfort zone, moving into our divine inheritance and calling by taking new ground for the Kingdom of God. What do I believe God is challenging me to attempt for Him? Am I prepared to pour myself into His calling for me? Also, support and stand alongside those who are fearful yet are living in dependency on God, just as others have encouraged you when you were discouraged and lacking confidence.

Reflection and Application:

In what areas of your life do you need to act more courageously, trusting God rather than giving in to fear?
How has God shown Himself faithful in past situations where you stepped out in courage despite your fears?
What specific conviction or truth is God calling you to stand for boldly, even if it means standing alone?
How can you encourage others who are struggling with fear, helping them see God's strength rather than their circumstances?