Where Does Courage Come From?

Have you ever been completely awed with someone’s act of courage? I have. I’ve wondered where a person finds the courage to face ridicule, sickness, punishment, death, or even torture? Acts of courage are awe-inspiring, and their source has always fascinated me. What drives someone to hold firmly to their beliefs in the face of fear, persevere under persecution, or choose certain death rather than compromise? Let’s explore the courage of conviction, the courage found during cancer, and the courage of the cross—and tuck a little courage under our own belts for future battles.

“Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage mean we face our fears. We are able to say, ‘I have fallen, but I will get up.’” Maya Angelou

Courage in the Face of Torture and Death

The courage behind America’s founding transcends barbecues and fireworks. When the signers put quill to parchment in 1776, they openly identified themselves with a rebellion against the British Crown. If the fight for independence failed, they risked prosecution and a a tortuous death as traitors to the crown. Yet one by one, they pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.

Even greater is the courage of Christ. He knew the excruciating suffering that awaited Him on the cross, yet He willingly embraced it. His courage was not driven by pride, power, or self-preservation but by humility, obedience, and selfless love.

“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.”Philippians 2:5–8 WEB

Courage and Cancer

People often call cancer patients courageous, but I never felt particularly brave. What I did feel was decisiveness—a determination that looked like courage from the outside. In the quiet of the night, fear was deafening. I forced myself to take deep breaths, recited God’s promises, and held tightly to the truth:

“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17 KJV

Courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing to act despite fear because we are anchored by purpose, promise, and hope. Sometimes courage means setting our faces like flint, refusing to allow fear to determine the direction of our lives.

“For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7 KJV

The Courage of the Cross

Jesus did not have to come to earth, yet He chose humility, suffering, and a shameful death. Scripture does not tell us that He doubted His mission, but it clearly shows His deep anguish as the cross approached. He experienced the full weight of what lay ahead and still chose obedience.

The promise of reconciliation, the hope of joy, and His love for humanity held Him firmly to His purpose. Jesus showed us that courage is not emotional numbness. It is remaining faithful even when obedience carries a tremendous cost.

Courage Is a Decision

Courage is not simply a state of mind; it is a deliberate choice. It means acknowledging fear, calculating the cost, and still moving forward. Jesus showed us that courage includes enduring present trials because we trust the promise of something greater: hope, joy, freedom, and eternal reconciliation with God.

“Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 WEB

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for Your mighty act of love and Your courageous journey to the cross. Open my eyes to recognize true courage, and help me make courageous choices in my own life. Grant me foresight, resolve, and the strength to follow the path You have set before me. Thank You for Your sacrifice and the hope it provides.

In Jesus’ name, amen.