“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The Oxford Dictionary describes courage as the “ability to do something that frightens one.” It has also been defined as “the ability to undertake an overwhelming difficulty or pain despite the eminent and unavoidable presence of fear”. Women in our Christian Women at Work Bible Study recently defined it as “feeling the fear but doing it anyway,” “working in spite of the fear,” “stepping up to the challenge,” and “leaning on God when afraid and then being able to do what we are afraid of.”
In the workplace, as in life, we are regularly confronted with situations which make us fearful or uncomfortable, and we need courage to deal with them. We are also regularly presented with opportunities that can make us fearful or uncomfortable as we consider the decision we need to make and what the outcome might look like. Perhaps you are afraid to do something, but you know you should. You may be afraid to speak up about something, but you know you should.
Courage is the step needed to move from inactivity to activity in a fearful situation.
What is it you feel you should be doing but need the courage to do it? Take a few moments to honestly answer this question. Trust God for the courage to take this step, and make time to review what He says in His Word.
Taking This to God in Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that gives us everything we need to know about every situation. Help us to always turn to Your Word first for wisdom, guidance and encouragement. Please help us to understand what it means to be courageous. You have told us to be courageous and therefore we know we can be, because of You. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Below are 14 bible verses about courage. Over the next few weeks, consider reading 3 or 4 a week and record what God wants you to know. There will be certain things which will “stand out” to your heart, soul and mind as you read and meditate on them. At the end of this month, record what God has revealed to you and what your next step will be.
14 Bible Verses about Courage:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“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)
The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:23)
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7)
“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)
“Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (1 Chronicles 22:13)
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. (1 Chronicles 28:20)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.” (2 Chronicles 32:7)
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)
“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.” (Psalm 94:18-19)
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 23:12)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)