Courage To Stand
How to Find Courage In the Face of Fear
What does courage mean to you? Most people believe that courage is absolute fearlessness. However, if we're honest with ourselves, isn't it possible to have courage in the face of fear? The great revolutionary and political leader, Nelson Mandela, once said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."
This type of courage is easy to identify in a soldier going into battle. If you've ever spoken with a soldier about their experience in war, they will admit they faced fear. However, despite this dreadful feeling, they march forward to protect their country. It’s clear that facing one's fears and overcoming them takes courage. But is there a step that comes before we face the fear?
Consider the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Three men, abducted into captivity in a foreign land, serving under a wicked King who served many gods. Furthermore, they were told to bow down and worship the gods of the people who’d taken them captive. Take a moment to really imagine what that would feel like. There is no preparation for being kidnapped and enslaved. I am sure these men understood the danger they faced by denying the proclamation of King Nebuchadnezzar. But their response demonstrates true courage.
… we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Now that is powerful. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew what they were up against-- "a blazing furnace." But they also knew their God-- "is able to deliver us." But here's the real magic of the moment "even if he does not... we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." How confident are you in our God that in the face of the fire that you will deny the rules of man to honor the Lord our God?
The world may tell us that courage is when we find it in ourselves to face our fears. But I believe that it starts by knowing the power of God. Being confident that He who began a good work in you is faithful to perform. Our God can deliver us. BUT even if he does not, because we know Him, we know his power is made strong in our weakness, and we still will not bow down to the ways of this world. That is courage in the face of fear.
We will all face many ups and downs in this life. And while it's easy to navigate the highs of life, it's the lows that knock the wind out of us and cause us to tremble in fear. We can find it challenging to find the strength to keep walking by faith when we are down. But God doesn't need us to be strong. Only courageous enough to trust Him at his word and seek his comfort in our weakness so that his power can prevail in our lives. It is always easier said than done, but it is possible. The living God makes it easy for us when we trust Him at his word.
One of the most effective ways to keep your courage up is to stay rooted in the word of God and his purpose for your life. For instance, if you are anxious about pitching an idea to investors, find scripture that affirms who God is and what he has said about you. Philippians 4:6 comes to mind where it says:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Maybe you have a dream that you want to fulfill, maybe your product will positively change many people's lives, or perhaps you need to save your company from bankruptcy. In this scenario, Jeremiah 29:11 comes to mind where it says:
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity.
Seek Him, and you shall find him. Whatever your fear, always be aware of it and seek an answer in God's word. That will be your source of courage.
Another effective way to be courageous is to remind yourself of your identity in Christ. David praised God, saying, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." God knows us. He made and loved us despite our shortcomings, fears, and doubts. He sent his Son to save us anyway. Because in his sight, we are His. He adopted us into the kingdom as sons, joint-heirs with Christ. Who should we fear when our daddy is the King of Kings?
Reminding ourselves of past victories is another great way to find courage for today. I find myself singing a song by gospel artist Tye Tribbett when fear is knocking at my door, and I refuse to let it in. The lyrics go:
I won't give in. No, I'm not going to turn around.
I know I win if I don't give up now.
I am waiting for my change to come,
and I know he will come through.
This is how im so sure:
If he did it before, he'll do it again.
Same God right now. Same God back then.
The same God that stepped in the blazing furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is the same God that will come through for you. Take courage in God. Take courage in his word. Take courage because if he did it before, he can do it again. I pray for you that no matter the situation you find yourself in, you always have that fire of courage burning inside you to stand on the word of God.
Scripture References: Daniel 3:16 - 18, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 4:6, Psalm 139:14, Jeremiah 29:11, Galatians 4: 6-7