Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)
Courage is not a feeling or a personality trait. Courage is a choice.
1 Corinthians tells us to be courageous, to be strong. Notice that you choose! Many times we pray for strength to be courageous, when God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)
Everyone feels the same push of fear and uncertainty, but you have not been given a spirit of fear (1 Timothy 1:7). You may think shyness is part of your personality. While there’s nothing wrong with being a quieter person, fear isn’t part of who you were created to be.
Over and over in the Word, we find instructions to be bold, courageous and valiant. “Be strong and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God…” (1 Chronicles 19:13, AMP). “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NKJV).
When you decide to trust God and take the first step, you tap into His courage and peace. It’s not something you have to fake or work up. You can step out in bold faith and know that He is with you.
Don’t ever let fear make your decisions. You have a God-given purpose. As you pursue Him, all of His strength, power and ability is backing you. So get up, get a new picture of who you are in Christ and go do what God has called you to do. Be as bold and courageous as a lion, and trust God to take you further than you could imagine!