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5 Examples of Courage in the Bible – Viral Believer
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5 Examples of Courage in the Bible

Introduction to Courage in the Bible

As Christians, we are called to live a life of courage and faith. We are called to be bold in our beliefs, unafraid to stand up for what is right, and unyielding in our commitment to God. Throughout the Bible, there are countless examples of individuals who displayed incredible courage in the face of adversity.

From David defeating Goliath to Esther risking her life to save her people, these stories inspire and encourage us to live with courage in our own lives. In this blog post, we will explore 5 examples of courage in the Bible.

Top Bible Verses About Strength

The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things because they had courage. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of fear. It is the strength to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

It is the determination to overcome obstacles and achieve great things. In the following paragraphs, we will explore five examples of courage in the Bible and what we can learn from them.

courage in the Bible

1. David and Goliath

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known examples of courage in the Bible. In 1 Samuel 17, we read about a young shepherd boy named David who defeated the giant Goliath with just a sling and a stone.

Goliath was a Philistine warrior who was over nine feet tall and wore heavy armor. He challenged the Israelites to send out a champion to fight him in single combat. David, who was too young to be a soldier, volunteered to fight Goliath.

He refused to wear Saul’s armor and instead took his sling and five stones from the brook.

David’s courage came from his faith in God. He knew that God was with him and that he could defeat Goliath because of God’s power. David declared, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin.

But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45 NKJV). David’s faith gave him the courage to face the giant and to trust in God’s provision and protection.

David’s story teaches us that we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles when we trust in God’s strength and guidance. We do not have to rely on our own abilities or resources because God is with us.

When we face challenges in our lives, we can remember David’s example and trust that God will give us the courage to face them.

2. Esther

Esther was a Jewish queen who lived in Persia during the reign of King Xerxes. In the book of Esther, we read about how she risked her life to save her people from destruction.

Haman, the king’s advisor, had plotted to kill all the Jews in Persia, and Esther was the only one who could intercede with the king on their behalf. However, it was against the law to approach the king without being summoned, and doing so could result in death.

Esther’s courage came from her trust in God’s plan. She knew that God had placed her in the position of queen for such a time as this, and that it was her responsibility to speak up for her people.

She fasted and prayed for three days before going to the king, and when she did, she found favor with him. She revealed Haman’s plot and saved her people from destruction. Esther’s courage and faithfulness continue to inspire us today.

Esther’s story teaches us that God has a plan for our lives, even when we cannot see it. We may face difficult and dangerous situations, but we can trust that God will provide us with the courage and strength to overcome them.

Esther’s example shows us that we can use our positions and resources to help others, even when it may put us in danger. We can also trust that God is with us, guiding us every step of the way.

3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

In the book of Daniel, we read about three young men named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to bow down and worship a golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had decreed that anyone who did not worship the statue would be thrown into a fiery furnace.

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were brought before the king and asked to worship the statue, they replied,

“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18 NKJV).

Their courage came from their unwavering faith in God. They believed that God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace, but even if He did not, they were willing to face death rather than worship false gods.

They were thrown into the furnace, but God miraculously delivered them, and they emerged unharmed. Their courage and faithfulness to God serve as an example to us today.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story teaches us that we should always put our faith and trust in God, even when we are facing difficult or life-threatening situations.

We should never compromise our beliefs or values for the sake of worldly gain or to avoid suffering. We can trust that God will always be with us, even in the midst of the fiery trials of life.

4. Joshua

Joshua was one of the greatest leaders in the Old Testament. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses died. Joshua faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but he remained faithful to God and led the Israelites to victory.

One of Joshua’s greatest acts of courage was when he led the Israelites in the battle of Jericho. The city was heavily fortified, but God gave Joshua a plan to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, to blow trumpets and shout, and the walls of the city would come tumbling down.

Joshua and the Israelites followed God’s plan, and the walls of Jericho fell, giving them victory.

Joshua’s courage came from his obedience to God. He trusted in God’s plan, even when it seemed impossible, and he was willing to lead the Israelites into battle because he knew that God was with him.

Joshua’s story teaches us that we should be obedient to God’s call, even when it seems difficult or impossible. We can trust that God has a plan for our lives and that He will give us the courage to follow His plan. We should be willing to take risks and face challenges for the sake of God’s kingdom.

5. Paul

Paul was a great missionary and leader in the early Christian church. He faced many challenges and opposition throughout his ministry, but he remained faithful to God and continued to preach the gospel.

One of Paul’s greatest acts of courage was when he stood trial before King Agrippa. Paul had been arrested and brought before the king on false charges, but instead of defending himself, he used the opportunity to share his testimony and preach the gospel.

He said, “I stand before you today, being judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers” (Acts 26:6 NKJV). Paul knew that he could face death for his beliefs, but he was willing to stand up for what he believed in and to preach the gospel to anyone who would listen.

Paul’s courage came from his deep faith in God. He believed that God was with him and that nothing could separate him from God’s love. He was willing to suffer and even die for his faith because he knew that God’s plan was greater than his own.

Paul’s story teaches us that we should be bold in sharing the gospel with others, even in the face of opposition or persecution.

We can trust that God is with us and will give us the courage to speak the truth in love. We should be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, knowing that God’s plan is greater than our own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible is filled with stories of individuals who displayed incredible courage in the face of adversity. From David defeating Goliath to Paul standing trial before King Agrippa, these stories inspire and encourage us to live with courage and faithfulness in our own lives.

We can learn from these examples that courage comes from our faith in God and our willingness to trust in His plan for our lives. As Christians, we are called to live a life of courage and faith, to stand up for what is right, and to trust in God’s provision and protection.

David’s story teaches us that we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles when we trust in God’s strength and guidance. Esther’s story shows us that we can use our positions and resources to help others, even when it may put us in danger.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story reminds us that we should always put our faith and trust in God, even in the face of life-threatening situations. Joshua’s story teaches us to be obedient to God’s call, even when it seems difficult or impossible.

Finally, Paul’s story teaches us to be bold in sharing the gospel with others, even in the face of opposition or persecution.

Let us be encouraged and inspired by these stories, and let us live our lives with courage and faithfulness to God. We can trust that God is with us always, guiding us every step of the way.

As we face the challenges and obstacles of life, may we always remember these examples of courage in the Bible and be strengthened by the faith and courage of those who have gone before us.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.