Thriving with the force of courage

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest ~ Joshua 1:9.

Introduction

A call to courage is a daring summons to men and women who desire to be true champions and high achievers in life. Why? Because there is a relentless battle waged against every emerging star in the strategic spheres of life, and only courage empowers one to confront and overcome such resistance (Ephesians 6:10–13).

Courage is a divine force that keeps the believer aligned with destiny regardless of the intensity of opposition. Godly courage stabilizes the heart and clarifies direction, even when adversity rages fiercely: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1–2). Challenges and distractions are inevitable, but a courageous soul refuses to lose focus.

Fear stands in direct opposition to courage. Scripture describes fear as a tormenting spirit designed to enslave and dominate: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear…” and “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment” (2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18).

Whatever a person fears eventually gains influence over them, placing them in bondage (Romans 8:15; Hebrews 2:14–15). For this reason, fear has long been one of the enemy’s most effective weapons—used to intimidate, suppress, and enforce submission (Exodus 23:27; Deuteronomy 2:25). It is therefore unsurprising that one of God’s most repeated instructions to His covenant people is simply this: “Fear not” (Genesis 15:1; Isaiah 41:10).

The only fear permitted in the believer’s life is the fear of God—a reverential awe that births wisdom, obedience, and abundant life (Deuteronomy 5:29). Jacob aptly called God“the fear of Isaac” (Genesis 31:42), reminding us that anyone who does not fear Him will inevitably fear lesser things.

Fear and discouragement are inseparable companions; together they weaken judgment, destabilize emotions, and sap inner strength (Deuteronomy 1:21; Job 4:14; Luke 21:26).

Undoubtedly, courage is one of the most distinguishing qualities separating great achievers from the rest of humanity. Yet every human heart contains both a coward and a hero. Life continually presents moments that reveal which voice we will follow. Courage or cowardice—the choice is ours. The future, however, belongs to those who believe God’s promises and advance toward them with boldness.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of it—having determined that something greater than fear is at stake. Simply put, courage is doing what one is afraid to do. The dictionary defines courage as “the ability to do something that frightens one.” Courage is the innate ability to face opposition without showing fear.

Fear marks the boundary of our comfort zone; growth begins where courage meets uncertainty. Every step into the unknown strengthens character, sharpens wisdom, and expands capacity. When fear is confronted, hesitation is transformed into power and challenges into triumphs.

Courage is therefore indispensable for the fulfilment of purpose, the attainment of goals, and the accomplishment of audacious visions. History confirms that nothing truly meaningful is achieved without courage. Indeed, it is exceedingly difficult to defeat a person who refuses to surrender, chooses to speak up, and acts courageously.

Men and Women of Courageous Exploits

Scripture abounds with accounts of men and women whose courage defined their destinies and advanced God’s purposes on earth.

Esther stands as a radiant example. Confronted with the possible annihilation of her people, she chose courage over self-preservation. Calling for a corporate fast, she resolved to appear before the king unlawfully, declaring, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).

Her words were not an expression of despair, but surrender—complete submission to God’s providence. Esther’s courage, rooted in prayer and faith, altered the course of a nation.

The Apostle Paul demonstrated similar resolve. When repeatedly warned of imprisonment and suffering awaiting him in Jerusalem, he responded, “I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus”(Acts 21:13).

Paul’s courage was rooted in conviction. Emotional appeals from friends could not deter him from what he knew to be God’s will. His life reminds us that obedience sometimes demands costly courage.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplified courage of principle before Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. Their declaration remains one of Scripture’s boldest confessions of faith: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods” (Daniel 3:17–18).

Their obedience was not conditional upon deliverance. They chose righteousness regardless of outcome, proving that true faith does not bargain with God.

David’s encounter with Goliath further illustrates courageous faith. Armed neither with military training nor conventional weapons, David confronted the giant in the name of the Lord of hosts (1 Samuel 17:45). His courage flowed from the revelation that the battle belonged to God—and giants fall when faith refuses intimidation.

Scripture overflows with such testimonies—Deborah, Jehoshaphat, Jael, and David’s mighty men, whose daring exploits defied natural logic. Long after our departure from this world, we will not be remembered merely for our talents or opportunities, but for the covenant courage with which we responded to life’s demands.

Please Choose Courage Always

Courage is not reserved for dramatic moments alone; it must be practiced daily. When challenges arise, believers are called not to retreat or rationalize fear, but to advance boldly in faith.

The Apostle Paul affirms triumphantly that nothing—neither tribulation nor persecution nor peril—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35–39). This assurance empowers us to choose integrity over compromise, determination over despair, and action over apathy.

Encouragingly, courage is a trainable virtue. It grows through repeated acts of obedience and faith: “Be strong and of a good courage”(Joshua 1:6). Like a muscle, courage is strengthened through consistent use—by confronting challenges, embracing discomfort, and standing firmly for godly values.

Repetition leaves lasting impressions. Encouraging oneself in the Lord, as David did, involves speaking God’s Word continually, rejecting discouragement, and maintaining spiritual composure (Psalm 46:1–5).

Conclusion

Life inevitably demands courage. To attempt anything meaningful is to risk failure, yet the greatest risk is to risk nothing at all. Those who refuse courage shrink into passivity, but champions rise when the odds are stacked against them. They draw strength from God and dare to believe that the impossible can become possible.

Courage does not always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it is the quiet resolve at the end of a weary day that whispers, “I will try again tomorrow, by God’s grace.”

Beloved, arise today. Dare greatly. Set your mind aright and think victorious thoughts in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:8–9). Step forward in faith. Be strong. Be courageous. Your testimony shall yet be beautiful, and you will surely prevail—in Jesus’ mighty name. You won’t miss it. Amen. Happy Sunday!

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Archbishop Taiwo Akinola,