Have you ever admired the courageous actions of another? Courage can be defined as taking action despite a situation that could tempt one to be fearful. Would you like to exhibit a fearless stand on God’s Word no matter what situation you face? We can learn a lot about how to stand fearlessly on God’s Word by looking at Biblical examples of courageous living. One such example is the Apostle Paul. We can learn from Paul’s great example of courageous living by seeing how he focused his mind on the promises of God and was confident that God would always deliver.
The Apostle Paul stood courageously because he focused his mind on the promises of God. The Book of Acts records that Paul preached and taught the Word without fear, not allowing any influence of the adversary to stop him.
Acts 28:31:
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence [boldness, no fear], no man forbidding him.
The words “no man forbidding him” are translated from one Greek word meaning “without hindrance.” The meaning of this word would include the adversary’s unsuccessful attempts to hinder Paul.
Where did this courage come from, you might ask? Paul’s courage came not only from his natural ability but also from his confidence in God’s promises. In Acts, chapter 27, we see that Paul endured a huge storm on a ship at sea for many days. But he did not allow fear or discouragement to enter into his heart. When it seemed that “all hope…was then taken away” (verse 20), Paul held fast to the Word.
Acts 27:22-25:
And now I [Paul] exhort you [the others on the ship] to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
What a stellar example Paul was in this situation. Each and every person’s life on the ship was threatened by the severe weather conditions on the open sea. Would this be a situation that could tempt some to fear? By looking only at the challenge, absolutely; but Paul focused his mind on the promise of God and said with courage, “It shall be even as it was told me.”
What Paul spoke in Acts 27 came to pass: every soul on that ship arrived on the island of Melita alive and well (Acts 27:44 and 28:1). Because Paul chose to focus on the promise of God instead of the challenge, he was able to live courageously. We too can have courage, no matter the situation, as we focus our minds on the promises of God. He will never repent of the promises He’s made.
Numbers 23:19:
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
No matter the situation, the Apostle Paul was confident God would deliver according to His Word as He had done before. This confidence allowed Paul to stand and endure any challenge. He was convinced God would never let him down. Paul explains in II Corinthians 11:24-33 how he had been through many different challenges, and in every situation, God came through for him so that he could continue to minister. This truth is not reserved for the Apostle Paul only. God has blessed us in so many ways. It can be a joy to remember His promises and the great things He has already done! We can be confident, as Paul was, that God will continue to deliver us.
We can learn from Paul’s great example of courageous living by seeing how Paul focused his mind on the promises of God and was confident that God would always deliver. We can fearlessly stand on God’s Word when we boldly put our trust in Him. Is there a situation where you can focus your mind on God’s promises rather than the challenge and take bold action, remembering what He’s done before? Someone may admire your fearless actions as you live courageously for God!