But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed – Acts 27:22

Courage comes from what we believe is possible despite the scare of it. My belief makes me courageous. But I have found a bigger truth. I am courageous when I put myself in the hands of God in every challenge. Otherwise, courage dissipates when I workup my own ability to confront a situation that looms bigger than myself. I believe many people have lost it that way. But, whenever I move in God’s ability and power, I can look at any situation and remind myself that “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13). That’s courage.

In the Old Testament, God often told His people to be strong and courageous. With fear and trepidation, Joshua steeped into Moses’ shoes after his death. Knowing the butterflies in Joshua’s stomach, God told him three times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1: 6, 9, 18). God’s message was simple: “Joshua, don’t look at yourself. Just look to me, for I am with you, and will be with you just as I was with Moses” (5). For assurance, God gave Joshua the sign of the parting of the River Jordan, just as he did with the Red Sea under Moses. Joshua couldn’t have been stronger and more courageous after that.

Gideon was another man who needed encouragement to be strong and courageous for the task God called him to undertake (Judges 6: 11-24). Afraid and hiding in a winepress, God chose him as His instrument for the deliverance of Israel from the Midianite tyranny (14). Gideon balked even after God told him that He was sending him (15). It was not until God revealed Himself to Gideon as Jehovah-shalom – “The Lord Is Peace” – that Gideon had some peace and courage. Yet, many times along the way, God had to step in to encourage Gideon to remain courageous (36-40; 7:1-15). Doesn’t it look more like us?

On the ship the apostle Paul was transported to Rome for trial before Caesar, he encouraged the crew and passengers to be take courage when they were hit by a nasty storm and drifted until they lost all hope (Acts 27:20). Paul grounded his confidence in God’s word to him in a dream that they would lose the ship and cargo but not their lives (22-26). Paul’s authority was based on God’s promise. The promise became meaningful to Paul because his faith in God was resolute (vs. 25). When you know God as Paul did, you can trust His promises as absolutes, and that’s how courage stands with you through the storms of life. It doesn’t matter where all hope takes flight. God’s manifest Presence will find you.

So, do not be afraid. Look to Jesus in your storms. Be strong and courageous, for He is with you, though you may suffer some losses (vs. 26).