The definition of courage is this: the quality shown by someone who decides to do something difficult or dangerous, even though they may be afraid. The ability to do something that frightens you (bravery).

Esther is a great example of courage.

Esther had been living in exile before being brought to the king’s palace, she kept her Jewish nationality a secret and went through a year of beauty treatments in preparation to be presented to the king. Can you imagine how much courage it would take to be in that position for a whole year?
Esther was crowned queen and still she kept her nationality a secret! She did this at the instruction of her uncle Mordecai. It takes courage to trust people at times, but she had the courage to trust him with very her life!
When Mordecai told her about a plot to assassinate the king, Esther had the courage to tell the king and it saved his life.
The king issued a decree that all Jews in every province were to be killed. These were Esther’s people!
Although Esther was queen, she, like everyone else could not approach the king unless he had called for her. If anyone approached the king without him calling for them, he would have them killed, unless he extended his gold scepter towards them. Can you imagine the courage it took for Esther to go before the king without being called for? Not only did Esther go before the king, she also disclosed her nationality and requested that the king spare her people.

What makes us courageous? What would make you courageous? What is something that you could or would do should you decide to be courageous?

It’s easy to look at where others are and not see the courage it’s taken for them to get there.

Perhaps the thing they do that makes you think they are courageous doesn’t make them courageous at all. But if you did that thing, it would make you courageous! Courage is a daily decision. It’s waking each morning and deciding to face, keep on and overcome!

A beautiful quote by Mary Anne Radmacher “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the silent voice at the end of the day that says ‘I will try again tomorrow’”

Courage looks so different for each of us.
For some, courage is starting something, for others it is ending something.
For some, courage is speaking out, for others it is keeping quiet.
For some, courage is taking control, for others it is releasing control.
For some, courage is standing up, for others it is stepping down.
For some, courage is facing something, for others it is turning away from something.

Courage can take many forms. It can take courage to say you’re sorry, to say yes or to say no, to do the right thing, to go in a different direction, to trust someone, to be vulnerable, to reach out, to try again, to walk away, to face the truth, to change.

Courage doesn’t always have to be a massive step, it just needs to be a step, no matter how big or small. It’s moving forward, taking ground, it’s going further than you have gone before.

We are probably all courageous every day, sometimes without realizing it.

Esther 4:14 “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this” NLT

Just as it was for Ester, perhaps you were made for such a time as this!

Courage is believing God, trusting God and stepping out in faith.

Deuteronomy 31:6
“So be strong and courageous”

Joshua 1:6
“Be strong and courageous”

2 Chronicles 32:7
“Be strong and courageous”

Psalm 31:24
“Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord”

2 Samuel 10:12
“Be courageous!”