When we speak of courage, we often imagine acting without fear. But true courage is not the absence of fear—it is the decision to move forward despite it. Courage is the ability to do what frightens you—a display of strength in pain or grief. Scripture echoes this truth: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
This is easier said than done, especially when what lies ahead feels overwhelming. Joshua stepped into leadership after Moses’ death, facing the daunting task of leading Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1–6). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith, choosing the fiery furnace over bowing to an idol (Daniel 3:16–18). The apostles, beaten and threatened, prayed not for safety but for boldness to continue proclaiming the gospel (Acts 4:29–31). Each shows courage in action—faith expressed through costly obedience.
Yet our lives may not seem so dramatic. Courage is also found in quiet, daily choices—at work, school, home, church, and in service to God and others. It is the courage to speak truth with love (Ephesians 4:15), to endure trials with hope (Romans 5:3–5), and to trust God’s strength when ours feels insufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Courage in action is faith meeting fear, choosing to move forward anyway.
Showing Up
Courage begins with presence—choosing to step into the moment even when it feels uncomfortable. For many, this is the greatest fear: stepping forward, coming out from behind the covers. Not everyone enjoys being seen; some prefer to remain hidden. But when God has given you a vision, hiding is no longer an option. Let your presence be seen and felt.
There is a difference between being visible and being impactful. People may see you, but your presence must compel them to engage and remember. This is not a call to boast or shout about who you are. Rather, it is a call to stop being afraid and to move confidently, knowing who you are and what you carry. Courage becomes real when you step into the moment.
When you are called to the job, the ministry, the service, or the sharing of your vision—show up. Do not run, hide, or make another excuse. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Bible Example: Esther’s story is a powerful picture of courage. As queen, she faced a terrifying reality: her people were under threat of annihilation, and the only way to intervene was to approach King Ahasuerus uninvited—a move punishable by death. When Mordecai urged her to act, Esther wrestled with the fear of what it might cost her. Yet she resolved, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me… When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16).
Esther showed up. She stepped into the throne room, risking her life to save her people. Her presence was felt, and God used her courage to turn history.
An Added Truth It also takes courage to go before God in His presence. Many grow comfortable with surface connections, fearing what true encounter might change. Yet scripture assures us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Yes, entering His presence may bring radical transformation—but that is the greatest advantage. In His presence, you receive what you need to be present in the world, to show up with courage and conviction. “In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
Notice God’s template for Joshua after commanding him to be strong and courageous: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night… Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). Courage was not fueled by sheer willpower, but by continual meditation on God’s Word. That daily rhythm was the foundation for Joshua’s strength to lead.
Drawing from Inner Strength
As we soak in God’s presence, our motivation flows from within—not from external approval or pressure. True courage cannot depend on applause or compliments. What happens when the compliments stop and ridicule comes instead? What happens when no one encourages you, and instead you face daily discouragement, voices telling you not to try?
This is where inner strength matters. You must rely on the strength you carry inside—the strength you receive from God in His presence. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me” (Psalm 28:7). You must learn to speak to yourself in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, encouraging yourself when no one else will (Ephesians 5:19).
Bible Example: David’s life gives us a vivid picture of this kind of courage. In 1 Samuel 30, while living in Ziklag, David and his men returned from battle to find their city burned, their families taken captive, and everything destroyed. To make matters worse, his own men—grieving and enraged—spoke of stoning him. David stood utterly alone.
Yet scripture records: “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). He turned to the only source of strength he had left—God’s presence. From that place of inner courage, David sought the Lord, received direction, and took bold action. He pursued the enemy, recovered everything that was lost, and restored hope to his people.
David’s example reminds us that courage is not sustained by external voices but by the inner strength that comes from God. When others turn against you, when discouragement surrounds you, when the odds seem impossible—you can strengthen yourself in the Lord. That inner courage will empower you to rise and act.
Choosing Joy
As we act on daily tasks and move through the grind, it’s easy to become too serious, too focused. Deadlines and heavy lifting rarely feel joyful. Yet joy is not about circumstances—it is a choice. We can choose joy in every passing minute, in every encounter with a colleague, friend, ministry partner, or even a stranger at the grocery store or on a work trip.
Joy is a courageous act of defiance against despair. In a world filled with discouragement, choosing joy is a radical stance. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Paul wrote these words while imprisoned, proving that joy is not dependent on comfort but on faith in Christ. Similarly, Habakkuk declared, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17–18).
Bible Example: Paul’s letters overflow with joy even in hardship. While chained in prison, he encouraged believers to rejoice, showing that joy is not tied to circumstance but to Christ. His courage was expressed through joy, a defiant act against despair.
Choosing joy in chaos is an act of faith. It is not denial of reality—it is trust in God’s greater reality. Joy strengthens us for the journey: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Speaking Up
Your voice carries power—whether spoken aloud or written on a page, whether in the lunchroom or the boardroom, whether in service to God or to others. Silence is not an option in this moment of courage. You will not always be celebrated for your ideas, beliefs, or stance. But speak anyway.
Encourage yourself with words of truth. Lift your prayers to God. Stand against the lies of the enemy. Declare healing and hope over your past, present, and future. Your voice has the power to shape your life. Most importantly, speak when and where it matters.
Bible Example: Jeremiah was young and hesitant when God called him to be a prophet. He feared rejection and opposition. Yet God said, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:7–8). Jeremiah spoke boldly, even when people resisted, mocked, or persecuted him. His courage was in God’s Word, not his eloquence.
In the same way, speaking up today may mean sharing your testimony, defending truth, or offering encouragement when silence would be easier. Courage is not only showing up—it is also speaking up
“Courage in Practice Roadmap
Other dimensions of courage include:
- Just Start — Break inertia by taking the first step forward.
- Take One Step at a Time — Build momentum with each faithful move.
- Keep Moving — Refuse to stop, even when progress feels slow.
- Stay Authentic — Remain true to yourself in a world pressing for conformity.
- Ask for Help — Show strength by admitting need and receiving support.
We will talk about these in depth some other time. Your key takeaway: Courage is not one grand act—it’s a series of daily choices: showing up, speaking up, asking for help, staying authentic, and stepping forward even when fear lingers.
This reflection is part of my author journey at Plunkett Writes. You can also follow along on Instagram @plunkettwrites, where I share my writing journey.