Courage is Created

Courage is not earned. Courage is not given. Courage is not found. Courage is created.

Courage is created when you choose to move forward anyway. So where is God inviting you to be courageous today?

God told Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage.” See that word, “Be”? That’s the real deal.

And here’s the truth: the more you take steps of courage, the smaller your fears become.

But if you never take those steps, your fears remain a giant in your mind, uncontested, unchallenged, and unshrinking.

A life of purpose always faces pushback. Challenges will come, planned and unplanned opposition will raise its voice.

Even well-intentioned people may not understand the purpose of your life. 

Jesus said, “The time is coming that whoever kills you (kills your vision, kills your conviction, kills your focus, kills your dream, kills your passion, kills your courage) will think that he offers service to God” (John 16:2).

Some may think you should blend in and do what everyone else does. They don’t understand your dedication.

To them, no one cares deeply or takes things seriously, so they wonder why you shouldn’t.

Their attitude is simple: “Eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Corinthians 15:32). Nehemiah faced similar challenges.

When he stood to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem, envious and unbelieving voices stirred up opposition and poisoned the minds of some dwellers in the city against him.

Their goal? To make him afraid (Nehemiah 4:11). But Nehemiah did not doubt his resolve, nor did he question his mission.

He did not shrink from the vision of seeing the walls completed and the city secured. He boldly asked, “Should such a man as I run away?” (Nehemiah 6:11).

There was no reason to stop the work. There was no other work to do at such a time as this. Only cowards flee. 

If you flee at all, flee towards your vision. If you change at all, let it be for growth, not convenience. 

If you shift direction, let it be to become more effective, not to please distractors who are only watching, hoping you will fall or quit.

Let not your hands be slack. Stay true to what matters. When opposition rises, double down. When bullies bark, stand tall.

When fear knocks, keep moving. Bullies back down when boldness shows up.

Reflection Question: In what areas of your life do you need courage right now?