Courageous Examples
List by Ami Hendrickson
Sometimes the challenges we face appear overwhelming. Finances collapse, health vanishes, enemies threaten. What a blessing to draw strength from courageous overcomers who have led the way!
Moses's courage to lead Israel into the sea
Exodus 14:13-14, 22
Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today; for you will never again see the Egyptians whom you have seen today. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall be still.” The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Nehemiah's courage against death threats
Nehemiah 6:11
I said, “Should a man like me flee? Who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.”
Daniel's courage against oppressive laws
Daniel 6:10
When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.
David's courage against a deadly bully
1 Samuel 17:45-47
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today, the LORD will deliver you into my hand. I will strike you and take your head from off you. I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines today to the birds of the sky and to the wild animals of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD doesn’t save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”
Jesus' courage when facing authority
John 19:11
Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's courage to worship only God
Daniel 3:16-18
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.”
Peter and John's courage to witness to those with more education
Acts 4:13-14
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
