In 2017 I spent a week with two women whose lives were in danger because of their work for Jesus. While each woman had credible threats on her life, they both had little, if any, anxiety. They continued to concentrate on the task they each felt called to do. I walked away feeling thankful for the opportunity to observe these strong warriors.
What I did not anticipate, however, was the contagious nature of their courage. I arrived home and decided I wanted to be just like them. I shared their stories with anyone who would listen, hoping others would also be encouraged. I learned courage can be “caught” from doing three things:
1. Interact with the courageous
Simply being around these two women and watching them in action gave me an extra dose of boldness for the Lord. Courage can be put”into” you from the outside. Psychologist Dr Henry Cloud says the word “encourage literally came from ‘in courage.'”
Our character and abilities grow through internalizing from others what we do not possess in ourselves. What are you worried, concerned or frightened about? Find someone who is living with that reality and successfully tackling it.
2. Read about the courageous
You do not have to personally know someone to draw courage from their life. Reading about their struggles and how they persevered can be a teaching tool. My friend Gayle Roper writes about the loss of her husband in A Widow’s Journey. More than one widow has told Gayle her writing gives them the courage to get out of bed each morning.
The Bible is full of stories of courage. One of the brave women I mentioned earlier found inspiration from the Old Testament story of Joshua and Caleb, who were sent by Moses along with ten other men to check out the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb believed that with God’s help the Israelites could defeat the giants living there. More than 45 years later, when the Israelites finally took possession of the land, Caleb said to Joshua,”Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me“(Joshua 14:10-13 NIV, emphasis added).
Even at age 85, Caleb was still courageous. What faith and boldness he had! Lion-hearted Caleb successfully fought those giants. His spunk and determination in his later years can be an encouragement to us all.
3. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s gift of courage
More than once, when I was unsettled and anxious, God strengthened me through the Holy Spirit’s guidance to a Scripture verse or passage. He has whispered a verse into my mind or caused me to remember something I read or heard.
There are different seasons in our lives, times we especially need courage. That was true for Joshua, who led the battles in the Promise Land. God encouraged him with these words: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them” (Joshua 1:5-6 NRSV).
What do you need courage and strength to face? Are you discouraged about a project? Overwhelmed with the busyness of your life? Struggling with an ongoing disability? Dealing with an unfaithful spouse?
Search out someone–dead or alive–who has faced a similar challenge. Ask God to bring a role model into your life, someone who has successfully navigated that issue so you can observe and learn from them. Study Jesus’ life on earth too. He faced betrayal and every challenge that we face. How can His example give you hope and courage?
