What Is the Real Meaning Of Courage?
COURAGE, noun [Latin , the heart.] Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude; but fortitude implies patience to bear continued suffering.
COURAGE that grows from constitution often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it; courage which arises from a sense of duty acts in a uniform manner.
The Bible echoes this definition. In Deuteronomy 31:6, God commands His people: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Real courage is not self-made — it’s God-given.
Why Is Courage So Important?
God has given each of us a mission—big or small—that stretches us outside our comfort zones. Without courage, we may shrink back from opportunities to serve Him, love others, or share the gospel. Courage is the fuel that helps us obey when obedience feels costly.
Think about Moses facing Pharaoh, Esther risking her life before the king, or David stepping out against Goliath. None of them relied on their own strength; they drew courage from God’s presence. In the same way, courage today might mean sharing your testimony, defending your values at work, or simply choosing faith over fear in the unknowns of life.
How Should We Show Courage?
Courage isn’t just for “big” moments—it’s needed in everyday choices:
- Stand up for your faith, for your values, and beliefs. Whether it’s praying in public, sharing Scripture, or refusing to compromise your values, bravery starts with small acts of obedience.
- Do not just go with the flow and go with the culture but stand strong. God will give you the strength to stand your ground
- Stand up for others. Courage means using your voice for those who have none, defending truth and showing compassion even when it’s unpopular.
- Read your Bible. Reading Scripture equips us to recognize right from wrong so we can stand firm. Courage grows from confidence in God’s truth.
- Do not be silent in the face of evil. Sometimes bravery means speaking when everyone else is quiet.
Why Do Leaders Need Courage?
Who Had Courage?
The Bible overflows with stories of men and women who displayed God-given courage:
- David did when he faced Goliath on the battlefield.
- Moses did when he faced Pharoh about the freedom of his enslaved people.
- The children of Israel did when they stepped out into the Red Sea on dry ground.
- Queen Esther did when she had to come before the King knowing she could be killed.
- Ruth did when she approached Boaz her kinsman-redeemer.
- Noah did when he although it had never rained and people made fun of him, he built an ark for his family and animals to survive the flood.
- Joshuah did when he left the winepress and followed God.
- You do when you read God’s word and follow him boldly.
Courage – When It’s Time To Step Out
Have you ever wished for your own “bravery feather”? Something tangible to help you step into the unknown? I know I have. Starting this blog was one of those moments. For over a year, fear told me I was insignificant, that my life was too ordinary to share.
We were walking through such hard times and we felt like that for over a year as we thought about starting a blog and sharing our lives, but it just seemed so scary and to be honest, I just felt so insignificant and rather boring.
But God reminded me that what feels “ordinary” to me could be encouragement to someone else. Courage meant stepping out in obedience, trusting that He could use even the simplest parts of my story.
One day someone came to me and told me that what I feared is that I didn’t have anything worth sharing. Wow, was that ever true? Because this is just life for us, this is just what we do… but recently I realized that this is not what everyone does. What If They Think I’m Boring? What if I’m not enough? This is not their life, and maybe our life, instead of being boring or not important might be a blessing to someone else just like other lives are to us.
Maybe your “bravery feather” moment is starting a conversation about faith, launching a new ministry, or simply saying “yes” to what God is asking of you. Whatever it is, remember: courage is choosing obedience when fear tells you to stay silent.
Let’s see what the Bible has to say about it!
In Deuteronomy 31:6 God tells us “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
In Joshuah 1:6 he tells the Israelites “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”
Again in Joshuah 1:9 he reminds them “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
He reminds the New Testament Church in Corinth “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
When King David’s son Solomon felt overwhelmed and fearful he said “David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:20
The psalmist tells us, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalms 31:24
In Isaiah 41:10 we are told, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When we fear and think that God is giving us this feeling we are told, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
“Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 10:12
“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 1 Chronicles 15:7
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
“And who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.” Ezra 7:28
“And he said, ‘O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.’ And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, ‘Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.’ Daniel 10:19
“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
“It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20
“But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ Matthew 14:27
He Will Supply You With The Courage You Need
God is so faithful. His word says again and again “Fear Not”. He is going to give us what we need, the courage that we need to be able to fulfill the job he has set before us. We must lean into him. Rely on Him for our strength, for nothing is impossible with God. Lean on Him as we have begun to do on this journey with you.
I hope you are blessed by these posts and I hope we can learn from one another on this journey. Oh, and if you need a bravery feather, let me know… I will raid the feather pillow for you, we have plenty to spare.
Before You Go, Check these articles out!
- Heroes and Princesses Author Of My Story
- Heart Of A Hero
- Shield Of Virtue, Sword Of Truth
- What Gideon In The Bible Can Teach Us About Facing Our Fears
- How Rahab In The Bible Can Impact Us Today
- The Story Of Naomi From The Bible
- Powerful Lessons From Deborah In The Bible
Great post, thank you for sharing your heart. I think what you have to say is important and a blessing.
Thank you so much Marty!
I love everything about you ladies. I have had my share of cloudy rainy days over the past 5 years, and you ladies are the rainbows in those storms. Keep doing what you do, saying what you say and just being you.❤❤❤… Erin
Thank you so much Erin! You are such a blessing!
Hello girl’s
You have a new visitor today from ghana West Africa
Hello and welcome friend!
God bless you, thank you very much for sharing Biblical message which is a strength and might in time of hopelessness, fear and confusion. Inspiring and thought provoking. Keep us in your prayers and continue the good work God has called you do. Amen
You are very welcome Catherine. These are such difficult times, times we need to cling ever tighter to Him. To meditate on His Word day and night. Thank you so much for your encouragement. We will keep you close in prayer. Father, we lift up Catherine and her family to you. We ask you to wrap your arms around them. Encourage them to keep their eyes on you at all times. Help her to keep in your word day and night and to cling to your promises more than ever. In Jesus name, amen.
Thank you Catherine! That means so much to us. We sure will.
Thank you to you whom have wrote this page “let go and let God….” It is really good to me right now. I appreciated it.
Be blessed in Jesus name.
Oh, you’re welcome Suely! Thank you for writing us and letting us know. That means so much to us. Be blessed!