SpiriseBible
"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 (KJV)
God's command to Joshua wasn't "be strong if you feel like it" or "have courage when circumstances are favorable." It was an imperative—choose courage because I am with you. Courageous faith isn't the absence of fear but action in spite of it. It's taking God at His word when everything else screams doubt. In a world that breeds fear, God calls His people to demonstrate supernatural courage rooted in unshakeable faith.
The Nature of Courageous Faith
Biblical courage differs from worldly bravery:
Source: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Courage comes from God, not self.
Foundation: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Courage builds on God's promises.
Purpose: "That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you" (2 Thessalonians 1:12). Courage serves God's glory, not personal ambition.
Character: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Courage reflects God's nature.
Biblical Examples of Courageous Faith
Scripture overflows with courage stories:
Abraham: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8).
Moses: Confronted Pharaoh saying, "Let my people go" (Exodus 5:1), despite personal inadequacy.
Joshua and Caleb: "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30), when others saw only giants.
David: "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).
Esther: "So will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16).
Daniel: Continued praying despite the lions' den decree (Daniel 6:10).
Peter and John: "We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20), defying authorities.
What Courageous Faith Looks Like
Practical expressions of bold faith:
- Stepping into the unknown: Like Peter walking on water, courage acts on God's word alone
- Standing against opposition: Remaining faithful when culture opposes
- Speaking truth boldly: Sharing the gospel despite potential rejection
- Trusting through trials: Maintaining faith when circumstances worsen
- Obeying costly commands: Following God when it requires sacrifice
- Attempting the impossible: Believing God for what seems unreasonable
- Persevering under pressure: Not quitting when others would
Common Faith Killers
What undermines courageous faith?
Fear of failure: "What if it doesn't work?" forgets God's sovereignty.
Past disappointments: Previous hurts can make us hesitant to trust again.
Comparison: Looking at others instead of God breeds insecurity.
Comfort zones: "And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them" (Luke 14:19). Safety becomes an idol.
Unbelief: "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matthew 13:58).
Pride: Trusting our understanding over God's wisdom.
Worldly wisdom: "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3:19).
Building Courageous Faith
How to develop bolder faith:
1. Know God's character: "They that know thy name will put their trust in thee" (Psalm 9:10). Courage grows from knowing God's faithfulness.
2. Remember past victories: "And David said, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion..." (1 Samuel 17:37). Past faithfulness fuels future courage.
3. Feed on God's Word: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth" (Joshua 1:8). Scripture builds faith's foundation.
4. Practice in small things: "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10). Build courage progressively.
5. Surround yourself with faith: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Hebrews 10:24). Courage is contagious.
6. Act despite feelings: Courage isn't feeling brave but choosing obedience.
7. Focus on God's presence: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee" (Isaiah 41:10). His presence changes everything.
Areas Requiring Courageous Faith
Where God calls us to bold faith:
In witness: "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them" (Mark 16:20).
In giving: "And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all" (Luke 21:3).
In relationships: Choosing forgiveness, pursuing reconciliation, loving enemies.
In calling: Stepping into God's purpose despite inadequacy.
In suffering: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth" (1 Peter 1:7).
In waiting: Trusting God's timing when nothing seems to happen.
In change: Leaving comfortable for God's new direction.
The Rewards of Courageous Faith
What comes from bold trust:
- Miraculous provision: "And my God shall supply all your need" (Philippians 4:19)
- Expanded influence: God uses courageous people greatly
- Deeper intimacy: Risk-taking faith draws us closer to God
- Powerful testimony: Others are inspired by courage
- Spiritual growth: Faith muscles strengthen through use
- Eternal rewards: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)
- God's glory: Bold faith displays God's power
When Courage Falters
Even the courageous sometimes fear:
Elijah after Carmel: "And he was afraid, and arose, and went for his life" (1 Kings 19:3). Victory doesn't prevent future fear.
Peter's denial: Bold confession followed by cowardly denial. Grace restores.
Disciples in storm: "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). Jesus understands our struggles.
Remember: Courage isn't never falling but getting up again through God's grace.
Living Courageously Today
Practical steps for bold faith:
- Identify one area where fear has paralyzed you
- Find God's specific promises for that situation
- Share your faith journey with someone this week
- Take one concrete step outside your comfort zone
- Support someone else's courageous faith step
- Use tools like SpiriseBible to study faith heroes
Reflection Questions
- What specific fear is God calling you to face with courageous faith right now?
- When has God proven faithful after you stepped out in faith? How can this encourage you now?
- What would you attempt for God if you knew you couldn't fail?
Prayer
Almighty God, forgive me for letting fear dictate my choices instead of faith. You've commanded courage because You promise Your presence. Help me believe Your Word more than my feelings, Your promises more than my problems. Give me holy boldness to step out of comfortable into Your calling. When giants seem overwhelming, remind me that You're bigger. When the path seems impossible, help me remember that You specialize in impossibilities. Make me courageously faithful in small things and big things alike. May my life demonstrate that You're trustworthy. I choose courage today because You are with me. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Take three courageous faith steps today: 1) Identify the biggest fear holding you back spiritually. Write it down, then write God's promise that addresses it. 2) Take one concrete action in that area—make the call, have the conversation, take the first step. 3) Share with someone what God is calling you to do that requires courage. Ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable. Remember, God's "Be strong and courageous" is a command backed by His presence!
