But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of 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 brave when I put myself in the hands of God in every challenge. Like many people, courage dissipates when I work up my abilities to confront a situation that looms bigger than myself. But, whenever I put myself in the hands of God and His power, I can boast in the sustaining power of God. As His word says, 

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength: (Phil 4:13). 

Now, that is courage!

In the Old Testament, God often told His people to be trusting and courageous. With fear and trepidation, Joshua stepped into the leadership of Israel after the death of Moses death. Knowing the butterflies in his stomach, God assured Joshua and told him three times to be bold and dare to lead His people into the Promised Land.

“Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1: 6, 9, 18).

In other words, God told Joshua to look away from himself and look to Him. He promised to be with Joshua as He was with Moses. God took the Israelites through the River Jordan at flood stage (3:14-17). When the face their first battle against Jericho, a strongly fortified city, God took appeared to Joshua as commander of the army of the Lord to lead them (5:13-15). What a confidence booster! 

Gideon struggled with confidence, but God carried him along with the tenderness of a loving Father to deliver Israel from Midian’s oppression (Judges 6: 11-24). He came to know God as Jehovah-Shalom – The Lord Is Peace (24).  

Paul encouraged the crew and passengers on the ship to take courage when a nasty storm hit and drifted them until they lost all hope (Acts 27:20). God assured him of their safety in a dream, though they would lose the ship and cargo (22-26). The promise was meaningful to Paul because he trusted the faithfulness of God (vs. 25). When you know God as Paul did, you can receive His promises as absolute truth. And courage will stand with you through every storm of life.

So, do not be afraid. Look to Jesus in your storms. Be strong and courageous, for He is with you. You may suffer some losses, but His word will never fail (vs. 26).