Courage is something that everyone has, but some are too afraid to use it. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, “courage” can be defined as “the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous.” ‘Facing our fears’ is how some would put it. Superheroes are known for their courage and bravery, and a lot of people want to be like them. Well, the truth is, we can be just like our favorite childhood superhero. We can have the same courage as them and more. But we may have a different source of courage, and that source is Almighty God.

In Psalm 27:14 we read, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Our courage comes from God and he demands it from us. In Joshua 1:9 God told Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” He wants us to be courageous because that shows Him that we know He is with us, and that we have faith He is with us. But before we go on, we need a better understanding of what courage is exactly.

Earlier I mentioned that some might consider “courage”, as ‘facing our fears’. Well that’s not always the case. Courage is usually talked about in a similar way as, let’s say, bravery. Courage and bravery are in a lot of ways the same thing. They both allow people to do things that are dangerous or frightening. But there is a difference between the two. Courage is not without fear. You can be courageous, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t have fear, you just overcame your fear. Also, courage is more on the emotional, and spiritual side of things. While bravery is more physical actions, (like saving someone from a burning building). Everyone can be courageous and brave.

There is a quote that sums up both courage and bravery, and what they do. It is this: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela. We can be afraid of what lies ahead of us. But when God is with us and we have that courage, we can not only face it, but conquer it as well. Just as Romans 8:31 tells us, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” When you think you are standing alone, you’re not. God is always with you.

Some people might be confused on how to show courage. When should we do it, or when should we let things be? Well, the simple act of telling someone you’re a Christian can a lot of the times be an act of courage. In a world where people mock Christians, wish they never existed, and think we’re wasting our time. That is an act of courage, because you never know the ridicule and mocking that might follow. Speaking out, not just about the Gospel, or voicing your opinion can be an act of courage. People show bravery and courage everyday, and it’s not always going to make news headlines.

Temptations and dangers lie around every corner, and we’re going to hit them straight on. But we must be watching out for them, staying faithful and true to God and when we face them, that’s when courage steps in. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” God will help you through the tough times just as Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Courage is something we all need, and it’s something that God commands when facing temptation. We must have faith in Him that He will help us when we ask and pray for it. I would like to end on a quote, and it is this: “Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them.” -Rabindranath Tagore