Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT
Following Jesus requires more than casual belief; it calls for unwavering boldness and steadfast faith. To follow Him faithfully, you must be courageous. You will face trials, temptations, and opposition that test your convictions. It takes courage to speak the truth in love, to trust God when life becomes uncertain, and to boldly share the message of Jesus Christ. When you are criticised, misunderstood, or opposed for your beliefs, be courageous. Simply put, the journey of following Jesus demands a heart anchored in courage.
Today’s passage powerfully reminds us to be courageous in our daily walk with God. There will be moments when you must stand firm, planting your feet on the unshakeable truth of God’s Word. When the winds of culture blow fiercely and the forces of darkness push back, you are called to stay alert. In those times, be courageous—act and speak according to God’s will, even when it’s unpopular or difficult. Your courage will be your strength as you stand firm in the faith.
The psalmist also urges us to be courageous as we wait on God. Psalm 27:14 (NLT) says, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Waiting is not always easy, but it requires bravery. In a world that rushes toward quick solutions and instant gratification, waiting patiently demonstrates deep trust. So, when you feel tempted to run ahead of God, be courageous. Trust His perfect timing, knowing He is never late but always right on time.
As you follow Jesus, there will be times you must choose what is right over what is popular. In those moments, be courageous. It may cost you friendships, status, or opportunities, but honouring God is worth far more. People may ridicule your convictions or reject you because of your faith. Even then, be courageous. Live boldly for Jesus, knowing that His approval far outweighs the acceptance of men.
The Bible overflows with stories of men and women who chose to be courageous. Daniel stood his ground, undeterred by the threat of the lion’s den. Esther risked everything to save her people, stepping forward with fearless faith. Stephen proclaimed the truth about Jesus, even when it led to his martyrdom. They didn’t allow fear to define them. Instead, they chose to be courageous, trusting God fully, and their legacies inspire us today.
Choosing to follow Jesus isn’t a path for the faint-hearted. It’s a call to be courageous every step of the way. Courage doesn’t mean you are fearless; it means you trust God despite fear. As you walk this journey, stand firm in your faith. Wait patiently for His timing. Speak and act in ways that honour Him. And in every season and situation, be courageous.
Take heart today—God is faithful. He will strengthen you and equip you for whatever lies ahead. You are not alone. With His help, you can be courageous and follow Him, no matter the cost.