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David, a simple shepherd boy in ancient Palestine, lacked a royal pedigree but had courage. This courage was not just a word for him but a guiding force. When Goliath threatened his people, David did not run away but faced the giant with faith and resilience. He defeated him with one stone and a sling and gained the favor of the people; however, it also attracted the jealousy of King Saul.
Despite his great victory, David's life was far from easy. He experienced numerous setbacks and had to flee from his enemies. Why take a courageous stand with such harsh results? David knew courage was more than a one-time feat—he had to keep trusting God's plan, no matter how unpredictable or precarious. He persisted with unwavering faith. He knew he could find strength in God, just as Joshua 1:9 says:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
David realized life was fleeting, so he strived to make the most of every day. He was conscious of his limited time on Earth and approached every moment with intention and courage.
“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
David nurtured his courage daily. He was brave in relationships, at work, and in following his dreams. Each day brought chances to be courageous, and his strength and bravery grew with each fear he overcame.
David refused to let fear rule his life and faced obstacles without hesitation. His determination rewarded him with new experiences and personal development. He knew courage didn't mean the absence of fear but facing it anyway.
David's courage had a life-changing effect. It enabled him to transcend his boundaries and take risks. He fearlessly followed his dreams and motivated others to do the same. As a result, he made a positive difference in his community, ultimately impacting many people.
David drew strength from his faith in God. He knew he wasn't alone in his journey; he had a Helper who stood by his side through every trial. The Bible reminded him to be strong and courageous, as in Deuteronomy 31:6:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Faith assured him that God's plans for his life were good, giving him the confidence to face anything that came his way.
Like David, we can bravely confront life's struggles, letdowns, and unknowns. We can confidently trust God's plan and strengthen our faith. As we courageously accept the challenge, we will witness its transformative power, transforming us and those around us.
Two questions for reflection:
How can we develop courage like David to take on obstacles, speak up for what's right, and pursue our aspirations with confidence and perseverance?
What is holding you back from displaying courage and trusting in God's strength to help you overcome?
Your call to action:
Take courage this week! Stand up for justice, conquer fears, and pursue dreams with passion. Demonstrate courage and faith, living purposefully and believing we can improve the world.
Thanks for reading. If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it with someone you know. :-)
For more thoughts on courage, check out The Daily Christian: Courage by Iann Schonken.
Check out this newsletter by my friend Mike Robertson: