Courage. How does it exist without faith? I’ve never understood where courage could come from if not from God Almighty. We aren’t born with an innate ability to overcome on our own. From our first gasp of air, we enter this world crying out in fear. Perhaps courage is something gained through trial and error, or perhaps some are graced with a little more of it than others.
I’ve lived much of my life in fear. As a child, I was terrified our house would catch fire. I would crawl out of bed long after my parents had gone to sleep, unplugging every appliance and checking that everything was turned off. Eventually, I convinced them to buy me a second-story escape ladder from a door-to-door salesman because I was certain I wouldn’t survive the jump if I had to.
I was afraid to leave the comfort of my second-grade teacher for the unfamiliarity of third grade. I was afraid to cross bridges without rolling the window down, convinced I’d need a quick escape if we plunged into the water. The list goes on. Eventually, I was diagnosed with anxiety, but anxiety isn’t courage.
That’s why I often wonder: where does courage come from, if not from faith?
I have a dear friend who was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. While she’s currently in remission, her long-term prognosis isn’t promising. Throughout her battle—chemo, hair loss, a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and countless setbacks—I was amazed at her unwavering strength.
Every time I checked in, she’d deliver an update with a smile, giving credit to God the Father. She didn’t want to die, of course, but her courage in facing the possibility was remarkable. Her faith was steadfast, and it was clear to me that her courage flowed directly from that source.
For me, I have to find courage there, too. If not for a higher power—my Creator—I’m not sure I could face any day without worry. Through prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers, I’ve discovered that my courage doesn’t come from within but from the One who sustains me.
As we age, life’s obstacles don’t seem to diminish; they increase. Yet, isn’t it remarkable that, as our faith deepens and our knowledge grows, we’re better equipped to handle those challenges? Through God’s grace, we find the courage to keep going, to face what comes, and to trust that we’re never doing it alone.
So, where does courage come from? For me—and for so many I’ve known—it comes from faith. Always from faith.
Joshua 1:9
"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."
Isaiah 41:10
"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."
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
For Reflection (either individually or with a group)
Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.
- How do you define courage?
- How much of your life is lived in fear? How does your fear manifest itself?
- How does your faith influence your ability to have courage?
Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.
