What do you think of when you hear the word courage?
Do you imagine a superhero in a cape or a firefighter running into a burning building? Do you imagine someone confident, self-reliant, and outspoken?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite stories, and I have found the Cowardly Lion to be a relatable character.
Near the end of the story, the lion has been slowly believing in himself with the help of his friends. The Wizard tells him, “You have plenty of courage, I am sure…. All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The True courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.”[1]
The Wizard reminds the Cowardly Lion that true courage is found in facing his fears and having confidence in himself. That seems like perfectly wise advice, but let’s look at what the Bible says about courage.
What Does the Bible Say About Courage?
Courage in a believer’s life may appear like self-confidence, but it is rooted in a heart that depends on God. It is the presence and power of God working within us that enable us to display courage when life is difficult or circumstances become too much to bear alone. God understands that we are prone to fear and doubt, which is why He promises that His presence will go with us.
Throughout the Bible, God empowers ordinary people with courage, and their stories are recorded as a testimony for us, as we are told more than three hundred times in Scripture not to be afraid.
Our courage grows when we fear the Lord more than we fear man and choose obedience over comfort, trusting in God’s promises.
There are many faith-filled women in Scripture from whom we can learn. You can read all throughout Scripture the stories of courageous women like Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, and Mary. Their courage reflects faith-fueled obedience, as they trust God’s promises and act in faith to find their courage.
How Anna Demonstrated Biblical Courage
One story I find to be a compelling example of courage in Scripture is that of the prophetess Anna. Mary and Joseph encounter Anna at the temple when they bring Jesus to present Him to the Lord.
Luke 2:36-38 tells us,
“And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Anna’s life exemplifies unwavering faith and devotion. In these three short verses, we discover her lineage, social status, spiritual commitments, and boldness in declaring truth.
The tribe of Asher was part of the northern kingdom of Israel and was widely scattered after being conquered by the Assyrians. By Anna’s generation, most people had forgotten the northern tribes, but Anna’s courage was rooted in remembering who she was.
In a culture that measured a woman’s worth by her family, Anna waited for the Messiah alone as a widow. She lived more of her life in the temple than under the roof of a husband. Instead of becoming bitter from her grief as a widow, she found contentment in her life of service. Her active, faithful obedience of worshiping, fasting, and praying demonstrated hopeful perseverance.
As a prophetess declaring the word of God and as a woman of advanced age, Anna found strength and purpose in what God called her to do. She embraced her role as an intercessor and displayed unshakable faith, waiting for the promised Messiah.
Imagine being at the exact place in the temple when Jesus is presented. God faithfully blessed her with the opportunity to declare truth and speak boldly. When Anna’s moment arrived, she proclaimed Jesus’ name and His promised redemption of Jerusalem to everyone. This is evidence of her Spirit-led courage and steadfast faith.
Anna’s story may be short, but her life reminds us that real courage, biblical courage, isn’t always loud; it is often quiet and deeply rooted in knowing who we are in Christ.
Let her example comfort and challenge you today.
Questions for Further Reflection
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself as you reflect on her story of biblical courage and how it may relate to you personally.
- What defines you in this season? Is it your roles, responsibilities, or current circumstances?
- In what area of your life do you need to remember that, first, you are a daughter of the one true King?
Anna didn’t have a platform, a following. She didn’t check her likes and compare her life to other women. Instead she was faithfully present, worshiping day and night.
- Where are you misplacing importance and seeking validation that may be leaving you discouraged?
- Where do you need to trust that God sees you and honors the work that you do without recognition?
Sometimes, courage like Anna’s means waiting to see the fulfillment of God’s promises in His timing. It often means being consistent in the small but mighty faith practices of prayer, worship, and gratefulness.
- How does Anna’s story give you permission to hope and encourage you to stay consistent and faithful when you don’t have all the answers?
- What life-giving practice can you add to your life that would build your faith and confidence in God to move through your day with courage?
Anna’s story also reminds us that we are never too much, too old, too heartbroken, or too overlooked for God to use our testimony to bless others. Anna knew that her place was in the temple, and she trusted God’s timing in all that He promised.
- Where do you need to turn your focus from your circumstances and look for God’s blessings and provision?
God blessed Anna to be in the right place to see Jesus, and she was ready to proclaim who He is.
- Are you ready to speak boldly with confident courage about what you believe and proclaim the name of Jesus?
- Do you trust God’s timing when what you see around you in your family, community, and the world may paint a different picture?
- Are you ready to pray and intercede for God’s truth and name to be known in your sphere of influence?
You Can Act with Courage Too!
Take off that superhero cape that says, “I’m the fixer,” “I’m in control,” or “I’ve got this,” and trust with quiet, consistent, obedient courage. God will bless you with perfect timing and boldness to be faithful.
You’re not running into any burning buildings today; you’re going to do something much more powerful. Offer God your faithful heart through prayer, fasting, and worship, and trust the outcomes to Him.
Find friends who will remind you of who you are in Christ and that your confidence and courage come from who He says you are: dearly loved, chosen, and courageous because you belong to Him.
The Lord is with you; do not be afraid.
[1] L. Frank Baum. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Collector’s Library (2009).
