The Character of Courage

“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” (Joshua 1:9).

We are each born for a unique and individual purpose. Our birth was no accident. We are God’s great design and His instrument in the world to fulfill His will for us. Sometimes, God’s will includes exhibiting great courage in the face of danger. Nelson Mandela once said, “Courage is not the absence of fear – but the triumph over it.”

Esther, in the Bible, displayed great courage to deliver her people. She was an orphan Jew, raised by her cousin Mordecai. She felt like a misfit. Through a series of circumstances, she was elevated to queen, the wife of King Ahasuerus. During this time in Persia, racial hatred for the Jewish people was high and they were in the minority. Out of fear, Esther kept her Jewish heritage quiet. Mordecai was living in exile and refused to bow to Haman, second in command to King Ahasuerus. Haman convinced the king to issue an order condemning all the Jews to death.

Mordecai asked Esther to intervene and approach her husband about it. He said, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14).

Esther had become self-indulgent and had grown accustomed to her new life. But she put her own interests aside and took the risk to save her people. She responded to Mordecai by saying, “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. 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). God called her into this moment and was there with her. Her request was granted and her people were saved.

During WWII, the ten Boom family saved hundreds of Jewish people from the Nazis. A local Dutch clergyman refused shelter for a Jewish infant. He told the father, Casper ten Boom, “We could lose our lives for that Jewish child.” Casper took the baby into his arms and said, “You say that we could lose our lives for this child. I would consider that the greatest honor that could come to my family.” This family had a Kingdom purpose – a higher calling by God.

Most of us will probably never face this type of dire circumstance, but it is a great privilege to belong to Christ and live out whatever the will of God is for us. We must stand boldly for Him wherever we are!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: How can we increase our courage to speak out for God? Pray for the courage of your convictions today and stand boldly for Him!

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14).

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“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” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Prayer: Father God, thank You for being with us today! We praise Your name! We ask today, Lord, that you help us be courageous in our actions and stand boldly for You in all situations we encounter. We want Your will for our lives. Help us to find our purpose and be open to whatever You have for us to do. Thank You for all you do! In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: There is no limit to what God can do! We can rest in knowing there is no problem so deep that God’s love isn’t deeper. Take courage and know that He is always with us!