The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk ~ Be Courageous

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 

In modern day America, we may experience what we deem “spiritual persecution,” but today’s cancel culture is nothing compared to the early years of the church. In Nero’s Rome, courageous Christians were tortured and even used as torches to light the streets. In fact, every one of the apostles – except John (he suffered in other ways)- suffered a martyr’s death. Later, in Colonial America, those who dared dissent from the Puritan rule, risked punishment, exile – or worse.

While researching for a novel I’m writing, I came across an extraordinary, courageous woman who lived in early Colonial America, Anne Hutchison. First, she was courageous enough to have fifteen children! But more than that, she was a brilliant student of God’s Word. Through her personal study, she came to understand a life-changing truth: we are not saved by works or living by a set of rules but by God’s grace alone. 

 Today, most of us can quote the verse, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us.”  (Titus 3:5) But in Anne’s day, most families didn’t own a Bible.  They relied on ministers to read and interpret Scripture for them. The church often became the sole authority, and interpretations of God’s Word frequently turned into manmade laws. There was no separation between church and state—church leaders were the state.

Anne Hutchison, the wife of a wealthy merchant and a respected midwife had great influence in her community. As a midwife, she was present in some of the most vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. She cared for the physical needs of the women she served but also offered counsel and spiritual insight. 

Eventually, Anne’s instruction was so sought after, she began having weekly meetings in her home. At first it was just women who came to hear what she had to say, but eventually men started attending as well.  

She spoke often about God’s grace and mercy and emphasized that we ultimately answer to God—not to a list of rules set by men. Anne didn’t seek to defy authority; she simply wanted to minister to those God placed in her path. But her growing influence made some leaders uncomfortable. She was warned, then silenced, then tried for heresy—and eventually exiled to Rhode Island, alongside another courageous dissenter, Roger Williams.

Anne Hutchinson’s courage wasn’t rooted in rebellion—it was anchored in the truth of God’s Word. She was willing to risk everything because she believed in the power and goodness of the Gospel.

Throughout Scripture the phrase, “Be courageous” is repeated at least a dozen times. “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid,” appears over 300 times! And in many of those verses, the next words are: “For the Lord your God is with you.” Our courage is not based on our power, strength, skill, or human wisdom. It comes from faith that God is with us. It is grounded in the presence of God. He goes before us, behind us, and walks beside us; is a shield about us, our Rock and Fortress. 

Sometimes courage means speaking up – apologizing when we’ve wronged someone. Or maybe it means we need to speak truth into the life of a friend or family member who has lost their way. We may need courage and faith to leave a job or take on a new one when we would rather stay in the comfort of the familiar. 

Other times, courage looks like silence. Stillness. Waiting.  Moses gets a bad rap for his lack of courage in facing Pharaoh, but I think we are given a glimpse into his struggle because his obedience, even when difficult, required immense courage. In one of Scriptures most dramatic moments, with the Egyptian army bearing down, Moses declared:

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14

In a moment of personal conflict, that verse struck me like a bolt of lightning. I desperately wanted to act—but I felt God remind me, “Be still. Let Me fight this one for you.” And He did.

Whether He calls us to speak up or remain silent, courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s the presence of faith—knowing the Lord goes before us, stands behind us, and surrounds us on every side.

Where do you need courage today? 

Can you surrender the battle and let God fight it for you?

Or do you need to boldly speak the truth in love?

Wisdom and courage cannot exist apart from each other. Seek wisdom, ask God, and He will give it to you generously, then do not waver in your faith. (James 1)

Dear Heavenly Father, Please give me the courage to do the next right thing. Give me wisdom and courage to say yes to the right opportunities and no to distractions from Your will. Guide me in every word that comes from my mouth and help me to know when to speak up and when to remain silent. 

Reflect on where our courage comes from while you listen to “Whom Shall I Fear” by Chris Tomlin

For further reading:

Courageous Examples of Faith Conquering Fear

Courageous by Randy Alcorn

Becoming Elizabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn

Joshua 1:1-9

I Samuel 17

Daniel 6

Ruth

Esther