When you think of the word “courage”, what pops in your brain? Sometimes we classify “courage” as something so great and bold that we feel as if we couldn’t possibly attain it. We’re so busy trying to keep our work/kids/house/lives from falling apart that “courage” feels like a lofty out-of-reach and unrealistic idea. While it definitely takes courage to be heroic in big moments, this narrow definition of “courage” actually blinds us from seeing the courage it takes to seek God each day (see Luke 9:23). 

It takes courage to preach God’s truth to yourself and your family in the midst of changes. It takes courage to trust God at His Word. Daily following God and picking up our crosses takes a whole lot of courage, and not the kind that’s often talked about. It takes courage to trust God and praise Him when seasons change and plans are not what we expected. I love how the author of Hebrews exhorts God’s people to courageously offer God a sacrifice of praise: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Did you catch that part at the beginning? “Through Jesus….” 

Courage isn’t something we bring to the table, but something we receive from God. Notice that same premise in Ephesians 6 – “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (emphasis added). 

Take a deep breath. God isn’t calling us to be strong in and of ourselves, but is rather calling us to receive His power and trust Him enough to praise Him throughout whatever He allows us to walk through, knowing that His goodness is not tainted or changed by our circumstances. 

Courage isn’t meant to make us scared and alone, but is rather the posture we have because we know the battle has already been won and our lives are secure in Christ (Romans 8). We aren’t fighting against worldly things, so our courage will look different than the “courageous” acts we see on social media or the news. Our courageous act might look like taking time to talk with our children in the midst of a demanding day, bringing dinner to a family in need, or putting down the to-do list to spend time with our Savior. Let’s seek God and ask Him to define courage for us as we follow in His footsteps day by day.