Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we're diving into a topic that is central to our walk of faith: courage. Living a victorious Christian life requires courage—a kind of boldness that isn’t just for the strong or the fearless but is rooted in faith in God’s promises. Let's take a closer look at what courage really means, how to nurture it, and how we can apply it in our daily lives.
Be Courageous
"Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest." – Joshua 1:7 (KJV)
What is Courage?
Courage is more than just the absence of fear; it is the ability to move forward in faith even when fear is present. In the Bible, courage is frequently tied to obeying God and trusting in His promises. Courage allows us to stand firm, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Joshua, the leader who succeeded Moses, is one of the best examples of biblical courage. God instructed Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a task that seemed impossible given the strength of their enemies. Yet, Joshua obeyed because he had the courage to trust in God's Word.
Joshua succeeded where others failed, not because he was stronger or more skilled, but because he had the courage to believe that God was with him. As Joshua 1:9 tells us, God commanded him not to be afraid, reminding him that He would never leave him nor forsake him. Courage, then, is the fruit of trusting that God is faithful to His Word.
The Israelites Lost Courage
On the other hand, we see what happens when people lose their courage. The Israelites, after being delivered from slavery in Egypt, were on the verge of entering the Promised Land. But when they heard reports of the giants in the land, they became afraid and lost heart. Rather than trusting in God's promise, they allowed fear to dictate their actions. As a result, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.
Fear often causes detours in our lives, just like it did for the Israelites. They could have entered the Promised Land much sooner, but they let their discouragement keep them from moving forward. How often do we do the same? When we allow fear to rule us, we delay the blessings and victories that God has prepared for us.
What Gives Courage?
The source of courage for Joshua, and for us today, is found in the Word of God. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (KJV)
Joshua meditated on God’s Word continually. This was where he drew his strength and courage. God’s Word reassures us of His presence, His promises, and His power, giving us the boldness to face whatever challenges lie ahead. When we keep God's Word in our hearts, it becomes easier to rise above fear and act in faith.
Spending time in prayer and fellowship with other believers also strengthens our courage. When we remind each other of God’s promises and share testimonies of His faithfulness, we encourage one another to stay strong and persevere.
What Causes Discouragement?
Discouragement often comes when we focus on our circumstances rather than on God’s promises. The Israelites were discouraged because they looked at the size of their enemies rather than remembering the power of their God. In the same way, we can become discouraged when we fix our eyes on our problems instead of on God's ability to solve them.
The enemy also uses lies and deception to sow seeds of discouragement. He whispers that we aren’t good enough, strong enough, or worthy enough. But we must remember that our courage doesn’t come from our own strength—it comes from God. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
The Relationship Between Courage and Confidence
Courage and confidence go hand in hand, but there’s a key difference. Confidence is a state of trust and assurance in something or someone, while courage is the action that results from that confidence. When we are confident in God’s promises, we can take courageous steps of faith.
Hebrews 10:35 says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” (KJV) When we have confidence in God, we can face any giant, knowing that He has already gone before us to prepare the way. Confidence in God gives birth to the courage we need to obey Him, even in the face of uncertainty.
Living a Courageous Life of Faith
Living by faith means that we’ll face battles—not just once, but repeatedly. Sometimes, those battles will seem overwhelming. But as believers, we are called to stand in faith and fight the good fight. Courage is what allows us to declare healing when sickness strikes, to give generously even in times of financial strain, and to hold onto God’s promises when everything around us says otherwise.
Like Joshua, we must continually remind ourselves that God is with us. His Word gives us courage to face life's challenges and to claim the victories He has promised. So, let’s take up the courage that comes from knowing our God is for us, and no enemy can stand against us.
As you meditate on God’s Word, let it turn you from a bystander into a warrior, from a doubter into an overcomer. Step into the battles of life with courage, knowing that you are not alone, and that God has already secured your victory. Be Courageous!
What about you? Have you ever felt like the Israelites, discouraged by the giants in your life? How have you found courage in God’s Word? Share your thoughts and testimonies in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs a boost of courage today! And don’t forget to leave a comment—your story might just inspire someone else on their journey.
Good topic for children of God especially in this era that we are now ,the battle is getting tougher every day.
So many times I had felt like giving up but God’s grace and His words encouraged me to move on, and that means we are not alone in this journey or battle. He is with us even to the end.
My prayer is that we shall end well in Jesus name.
Thank you Doctor
May the good Lord continue to renew your strength in Jesus name