One of the things about Christian faith that people don’t talk about is how much it requires you to be dauntless. Timidity, cowardice, and fear are inconsistent with a Christian’s identity. Courage, on the other hand, is a defining trait of a believer. Scripture tells us in Proverbs 28:1 that “the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Moreover, it is one of the markers of a growing faith.
We often talk about Peter walking on water and focus on the fact that he sank. But we forget that he was the only one—apart from Jesus—who stepped out of the boat at all. He had the courage to respond when Jesus said, “Come” (Matt. 14:29). He had the courage to step onto the water and walk toward Jesus. Even if only for a moment, his faith made him bold. Where there is faith, courage follows. So, if you find yourself lacking courage, it may be worth examining your faith.
Consider also Joshua and Caleb. They were among the spies sent by Moses to survey the Promised Land (Num. 13–14). While the others returned with fear-filled reports, Joshua and Caleb stood firm in faith. They reminded the people of God’s power and faithfulness, declaring that the land could indeed be taken and pleading with the people not to lose heart. Their reality mirrored the scripture that says those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Dan. 11:32). The faith they had in God gave them so much courage, and this singular act set them apart and preserved them, enabling them to inherit the promise of God.
Many of us today have journals full of God’s promises that remain unfulfilled, not because God is delaying in bringing them to pass, but because we have let fear and timidity keep us from taking a step of faith. Like the Israelites, we have cried out in defeat, focusing on how small we are compared to the promise before us, and that hesitation has kept us from stepping into it. Yet Scripture reminds us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). What often stands between us and the fulfillment of God’s promises is the courage to take a step of faith.
Every promise and instruction from God requires boldness to walk in it. Faith is not without works. Take Esther, for example. After prayer and fasting, the responsibility still rested on her to act. She had to approach the king uninvited, which was a decision that could cost her life (Esth. 4:16). Her faith was evident, but her courage gave expression to it.
David is another powerful example. Whether facing Goliath (1 Sam. 17) or pursuing enemies to recover all that was taken from him (1 Samuel 30), David was bold and unwavering in faith. Battle strength and size advantage aside, Goliath used a master technique against the Israelites. Before the battle even started, he spent days weakening their confidence in their skills, their armor, their defences, and even their trust in their God. He discouraged them and set fear in their hearts. But David did not let this faze him. He too recounted the victories the Lord had given him. He had his eyes fixed on God, declaring confidently that “the battle is the Lord’s.” And he, no doubt, was victorious (1 Sam. 17).
The devil will try to discourage you and break your spirit by telling all the things that have gone wrong. He may even show you people who took the same path you’re on but failed. But you must, like the Psalmist, be able to remain courageous and declare “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psa. 20:7).
The three Hebrew boys understood this. They looked at Nebuchadnezzar and told him to his face that they won’t be bowing to any idols, even with their lives at stake. They trusted in God to save them and boldly said even if God didn’t deliver them, they would remain steadfast in their decision (Dan. 3:17-18). They had proved God to be faithful even to the point of death. Such conviction gives a kind of courage no one can take away.
One way we can develop this kind of confidence is through prayer. Courage is stirred in the place of prayer. When we become deeply aware of who stands behind us, we become bold in the face of opposition. Daniel continued to pray despite a royal decree forbidding it (Dan. 6:10). He knew God personally and trusted in His power to save.
Likewise, when David sought God before pursuing his enemies, he received direction and moved forward with confidence until he recovered all (1 Sam. 30:8). Many believers struggle with fear because they are unsure of what God has said—or have not taken time to seek Him at all. In prayer, we receive clarity, assurance, and boldness.
It was also in the place of prayer that the early church received power. When the Holy Spirit came, Peter—once fearful—became bold, preaching openly and leading thousands to Christ (Acts 2:14).
Finally, courage is strengthened by the company we keep. The Israelites were discouraged because they listened to voices filled with fear rather than faith. Perhaps, if the first person that spoke to them was Caleb or Joshua, they wouldn’t have given in to despair too easily. Scripture says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17). If you surround yourself with fearful, small-minded people, it will affect your outlook. But when you are in the company of those who trust God, your faith—and your courage—will grow. Esther found such encouragement in Mordecai, and it strengthened her resolve to act (Esth. 4:13–14).
Courage is the evidence of faith in action, and as believers, we are called to live confidently, trusting in the faithfulness of God. Through prayer and keeping good company, we can develop boldness to take difficult steps, as God provides the strength we need.
Faith+blog 