Building courage in the face of fear – Taiwo Akinola

Archbishop Taiwo Akinola

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 1:9.

Introduction

Scripture exhorts believers to “earnestly contend for the faith”(Jude 1:3). This contention is neither theoretical nor passive; it is spiritual, practical, and daily. We are called to strive lawfully against sin, Satan, fear, sickness, failure, poverty, idleness, irrelevance, and mediocrity (Hebrews 12:1–4). Although overwhelming victory has already been secured in Christ, it is courage that enables believers to enforce that victory in the realities of everyday life (Joshua 1:1–9).

“Be strong and courageous” is a familiar divine command, yet when adversity confronts us, fear often rises swiftly. Courage does not operate on autopilot; it must be intentionally cultivated and consistently developed. No one walks in winning courage by accident—courage is grown.

Courage is commonly defined as the ability to act in the presence of fear, pain, or opposition. It is not the absence of fear, but the determination to move forward despite it. Courage is learned, practiced, and strengthened through daily obedience to God.

True courage is the grace to advance when retreat feels safer, to persist when pressure mounts, and to trust God when circumstances appear hostile. It is the spiritual stamina that keeps a believer moving forward when everything suggests stopping.

Scripture abounds with testimonies of courageous faith—Daniel in the lions’ den, the three Hebrew youths in the fiery furnace, David before Goliath, Moses before Pharaoh, Joshua leading Israel into battle, and the early Church standing firm under relentless persecution.

Each narrative affirms a timeless truth: courage is indispensable to destiny fulfilment. Yet the question remains relevant: How do we prevail in life’s battles when fear seems stronger than faith?

The answer lies in developing confidence in God rather than in self (Romans 10:17). Courage is built through intimacy with God, trust in His Word, and conscious reliance on His abiding presence.

When Joshua assumed leadership over Israel, God repeatedly commanded him to be strong and courageous—not because Joshua lacked ability, but because the assignment ahead demanded unwavering dependence on God’s Word. Whatever battle confronts you today, God’s instruction remains unchanged: Be strong. Be courageous.

God’s Strategy for Courage

In Joshua 1:7–9, God revealed the pathway to enduring courage and lasting success: meditate on the Word, speak the Word, and obey the Word. God’s Word never fails, but victory must be enforced through faith-filled obedience.

God promised Joshua prosperity and success through total reliance on His Word. When believers focus on God’s ability rather than their limitations, fear loses its grip and courage rises. The Word redirects attention from human weakness to divine sufficiency.

In the midst of life’s battles, courage is sustained by resting in God’s Word and obeying His command to be strong and courageous. The enemy will test your faith, but when you refuse to drift from your anchor of confidence in God, Satan will always fail (James 4:7).

Major Steps to Building Courage to Win

Courage is not a personality trait reserved for a select few; it is a spiritual discipline available to all who will cultivate it. Regardless of how fearful one feels, courage can be intentionally developed through the following steps:

1. Desire and Pray for Winning Courage

Courage begins with desire and prayer. Daily ask God for strength to confront life’s challenges and boldly declare that your help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1–2).

The Holy Spirit is the ever-present Helper in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1; John 14:16). When He is welcomed and trusted, weakness is transformed into strength. Trust Him—He will not fail you.

2. Train Your Spirit Deliberately

Courage must be cultivated before the day of battle. A disciplined spirit sustains a person in adversity (Proverbs 18:14). Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

David demonstrated this principle when he encouraged himself in the Lord during intense distress (1 Samuel 30:6). Preparation determines performance. Train your spirit in the sovereignty, faithfulness, and power of God.

3. Exercise Absolute Trust in God

Courage thrives where trust is absolute. Commit to trusting God even when circumstances are confusing or painful (Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus trusted the Father fully, knowing He would never be abandoned.

Repetition strengthens courage. Just as muscles grow through repeated exercise, courage develops through repeated obedience. What once felt overwhelming becomes manageable, then familiar. Courage is a process.

4. Grow Capacity Deliberately

Courage expands as capacity increases. Growth encourages persistence. Set small, intentional goals and take measurable steps toward confronting fear. Progress—not perfection—builds courage.

Remain consistent in God’s sanctuary, the appointed place of divine help and strength (Psalm 20:2; Hebrews 10:25). God releases supernatural strength to those who appear before Him regularly (Psalm 84:7).

5. Build Momentum Through Consistency

Consistency generates momentum, and momentum fuels courage (Luke 18:1). Each small victory reinforces confidence. Courage grows stronger as visible progress is made.

Momentum is built by action, not delay. The more you act, the more capable you become. Courage thrives in movement.

6. Leverage Fear as a Tool for Decisive Victory

Fear often signals the presence of purpose and significance (Psalm 76:10). Many of history’s greatest achievements were conceived in moments of fear.

Fear itself is neutral—it can either paralyze or propel, depending on how it is engaged. When anchored in faith, fear becomes a catalyst rather than a crippler. With resolute trust in God, fear can be redirected into courage and decisive action, transforming anxiety into momentum instead of stagnation.

Every victory won in the presence of fear becomes enduring evidence of God’s faithfulness and your capacity to prevail.Wear such victories as sacred reminders: you have overcome before, and by God’s grace, you will overcome again.

7. Set Your Mind on God’s Truth

Every courageous journey begins in the mind (Philippians 4:8). Perception shapes outcome. When thinking aligns with God’s truth, courage follows.

Scripture exhorts, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so”(Psalm 107:2). Faith-filled speech reinforces courage—your sound produces your signs.

Conclusion

Beloved, much remains to be possessed by God’s covenant people—greater territories, deeper grace, and fuller purpose. Yet entry into these inheritances demands courage.

No force can permanently subdue a determined, faith-filled, courageous soul. History confirms that the world eventually makes way for those who know where they are going.

Never surrender your faith. Never relinquish your confidence. Never abandon your commitment to holiness, faithfulness, and obedience. Your life can still become a testimony of divine wonder.

Do not be intimidated by the exploits of others; every great journey began with a first step. What you do not start, you cannot finish. What you do not sow, you cannot reap.

Dare to listen attentively to God’s Word. Dare to believe His promises. Dare to confess His truth. Dare to act upon His Word with courage.

When you do, a power beyond you will rise to fight for you. Fear will lose its grip, courage will prevail, and victory will be established. Even in the face of the strongest fear, your song of testimony will yet arise. You will not miss it, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. Happy Sunday.

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Archbishop Taiwo Akinola,

Rhema Christian Church,

Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

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