INTRODUCTION
Beloved brethren, anyone who carries an assignment, a calling, or a purpose from God will inevitably face challenges. The path of divine purpose is rarely without opposition. At times, the burdens of the journey may cause one to lose heart, and disappointments or unrealised expectations may weaken the spirit and make one weary in the walk with God.
In such moments, believers need what Scripture calls “good courage.” Good courage is the spiritual antidote to discouragement. It is the strength that steadies the heart in adversity, the confidence that enables us to endure trials, and the inner resolve that allows God to continue His work through us. With good courage, we are able to remain steadfast until the purposes of God in our lives are fulfilled.
1. SITUATIONS REQUIRING GOOD COURAGE
Brethren, we need good courage to confront situations that may be physically, emotionally, or spiritually challenging. Such situations may include threats or intimidation relating to one’s home, property, employment, business, or other interests; opposition encountered in leadership roles; reproach from enemies – and sometimes even from family and friends; slander, conspiracies, the “strife of tongues” that speak against us and the “pride of man”. (Psalm 31:11-13, 20).
Good courage is also needed when one must take a stand for a godly cause. Also, at times, to serve a greater divine purpose, God may fulfil our desires in ways we did not anticipate such as, receiving a demotion when one expected a promotion. Likewise, God’s people require good courage during seasons of intense spiritual warfare that may involve sickness, loss of property, strain in marriage, or even bereavement.
2. GOOD COURAGE AND GODLY PURPOSE
Throughout Scripture, the call to good courage accompanies God’s purposes as a message of reassurance, a command, and a reminder of God’s presence. When Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, Moses encouraged him: “Be strong and of a good courage… for the LORD… will be with thee; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23).
Later, God Himself reassured Joshua, saying: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:6, 9; 1 Chronicles 28:20).
The foundation of good courage is therefore not human ability but the presence of God. Likewise, David encouraged Solomon with the same assurance that God would not fail him until the work of building the Lord’s house was finished (1 Chronicles 28:20).
2.1. COURAGE THAT IS ‘GOOD’
Jesus teaches us that “there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). If God alone is truly good, then the courage that can rightly be called “good courage” must be courage that originates from Him. It is courage inspired by a godly spirit; one that produces a right attitude and a faithful response when we face difficult situations.
Good courage is therefore not merely human bravery or stubborn determination. Rather, it is the strength that arises when a believer responds to adversity with faith, trust, and obedience to God. It is a courage guided by the spirit of faith, enabling us to stand firm even when circumstances are challenging.
Courage that is ‘good’ arises from obedience to God’s commands, drawing strength from the Lord Himself, whose power never fails and who never grows weary. It is grounded in reverence for God, whose fear is pure and enduring forever. It rests upon God’s faithfulness, knowing that even when we are unfaithful, He remains faithful. And it is sustained by the assurance of His almighty power, for with God nothing is impossible. (Isaiah 40:228-29; Psalm 19:9; 2 Timothy 2:13; Job 42:2; Luke 1:37).
Thus, good courage is not simply a human quality. It is a divine strength given to those who trust in God and walk in obedience to Him.
2.2. ‘BAD COURAGE’
The repeated use of the adjective “good” to describe courage in Scripture suggests that there can also be another kind of courage – one that is not good. This may be described as “bad courage”. Such courage is driven by fear, pride, anger, or other ungodly attitudes. It may appear bold on the surface, but its foundation is not faith in God.
Bad courage reveals itself when people react to difficulties through unhealthy or ungodly responses. For example, some may turn to alcohol or other distractions in an attempt to escape a crisis. Others may murmur, complain, or become overwhelmed with anxiety, expressing dissatisfaction and doubt about their circumstances. Still others may judge or blame others in order to justify their own conduct. (Exodus 16:2-3; Numbers 14:2; Psalm 33:11; Romans 2:1-3).
3. COURAGE AND SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN CRISES
Brethren, even in the midst of crises, God remains sovereign. No plan, power, or purpose stands above His authority. The Scripture remind us that he can do everything and no thought can be hidden from him and that His counsel shall stand for ever (Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:9 -10).
3.1. GOD ALLOWS THE CRISES
No trial or challenge can occur outside the knowledge or permission of God. God is sovereign, and He is able to grant His people good courage even in the most difficult circumstances. However painful a situation may be, it would not have happened had God disallowed it. The attack itself may not be His will, but He may permit it for a reason or purpose that we do not yet understand, as seen in the experience of Job.
Therefore, when crises arise, we must be careful not to remove God from the situation and attempt to resolve it by human reasoning alone. Faith calls us to recognise that God remains present and active even in the midst of difficulty.
3.2. CRISES IN GOD’S PURPOSE
At times, suffering occurs within God’s greater plan. The greatest example is Jesus Christ: For the Kingdom of God to come and for God’s will to be fulfilled on earth, Jesus came in the flesh and endured suffering, torture, and death on the cross. He submitted to the Father’s will in Gethsemane saying: “… take away this cup from me: … not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14:36; Hebrews 5:7).
God also allowed Paul’s infirmity, described as a “thorn in the flesh,” saying: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Similarly, Daniel was not spared from being thrown into the lions’ den, but God saved him; and Joseph was not prevented from the betrayal of his brothers and unjust imprisonment, but by the trials, God prepared him for a greater purpose. (Daniel 6:13-22; Genesis 39:19-21).
The examples teach us an important truth: God does not always remove the difficulty, but He gives grace to endure it while His purposes are being accomplished. He will provide the spirit of good courage to those who trust in His mercy, will strengthen them, and ultimately deliver them according to His perfect will.
Therefore, when we face difficult situations, we must remember His gracious promise: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10).
4. FEAR DISPELS GOOD COURAGE
Most difficult situations naturally tend to instil fear in the human heart. This often happens when a person feels overpowered by an adversary or overwhelmed by an affliction, or when a situation appears impossible or unbearable from a human perspective. Yet the Scriptures remind us that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Fear does not come from God. It is a destructive spirit and a tool often used by Satan, the enemy. The ‘spirit of fear’ opposes the spirit of good courage. Its purpose is to sow doubt in the mind and discourage God’s people from walking in faith and in the fear of the Lord.
Sustained fear of circumstances, people, or events, weakens the ‘spirit of faith’ and may make us forget that God is Almighty and all powerful. It could shift our dependence away from God and push us to rely on our own strengths. This can be spiritually harmful! It could drain courage and trap people within the very situations that trouble them, leaving them searching for answers through human might and power alone, and thereby tempting God (Numbers 14:11, 22–24).
Brethren, believers are not meant to live under such bondage. Those who have received the Spirit of God as His children “have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear” (Romans 8:14–15). Instead, we are called to live with confidence in the Lord, who is our light and our salvation. (Psalm 27:1-3). For in the presence of God, fear loses its power, and good courage is restored.
5. FOCUS ON GOD’S GOODNESS
Brethren, when facing difficulties, w should focus on God’s ‘great goodness’ and not rush to judge situations as good or bad. Scripture assures us: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” (Romans 8:28: Psalm 31:19).
Even when others intend us harm, God can turn it for good, as Joseph declared to his brothers (Genesis 50:20). Therefore, we must trust in God’s character and lean not on our own understanding. As we do so, the Lord strengthens our hearts, and we become people of good courage (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 27:14).
Part II of the ‘Good Courage series will examine the attributes of good courage and God’s timeline.
PRAYER
Almighty Father, we thank You for Your Word and for the grace of good courage.
Lord, You who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” cause Your light to shine in the hearts of Your people, that they may behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ in every situation.
Holy Father, grant them the grace and strength to endure and overcome present difficulties. Deliver them from the spirit of fear and pride, that they may not miss Your divine purpose.
Holy Spirit, power of the living God, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead, attend to every challenge they face. Succor them and renew their weary faith. Help their faith to rest in Your power that does the impossible.
O Lord our God, arise and judge their cause, for they have no might against the adversary or the affliction that reproaches them.
We praise You, O Lord, for Your mercy endures forever.
I make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 01 March 2026
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