Over the past few days, we have been examining the lives of different men in the Bible who remained strong and courageous in God. These men showed incredible strength and courage, not because they were immune to fear but because they trusted in God’s promises and in His ability to keep them safe.

There’s still a lot to learn from the scriptures and the examples of the men who trusted and stood firm in God and His plan for their lives. Take a look at the lives of the Apostle Paul, and our prototype, Jesus.

Firstly, let us examine the life of the man who moved from persecuting Christians to boldly preaching the gospel in the face of adversity — the Apostle Paul.

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭6
New King James Version
1 “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Paul’s zeal initially led him to persecute Christians throughout Jerusalem, until one divine encounter changed everything. His response—”Lord, what do you want me to do?”—revealed complete surrender.

Once convicted of his wrongdoing, he immediately sought guidance and transformed from Christianity’s greatest enemy to one of its most powerful apostles, and this demonstrates to us how a single moment of genuine surrender can completely redirect a life’s purpose.

Of course, this decision wasn’t one laced with roses and honey especially as Paul was known prior for persecuting believers. The severe opposition he later endured as a believer—and how he responded to it—serves as a powerful example for us today.

2 Corinthians 11:24-27
New King James Version
24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.

25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness

Despite imprisonment, beatings, and shipwreck, Paul remained unwavering in his mission, boldly proclaiming the gospel to the world. His life demonstrates that courage amid persecution is possible.

You can do it!

Following God’s path may seem daunting when circumstances appear unfavourable, as Paul’s often were. Yet his example reminds us that steadfast courage is attainable—not because the journey becomes easier, but because God remains present.

Now, let us look into the life of Jesus from the Bible. The God-man who is our perfect example shows us the ultimate example of boldness and courage.

Matthew 26:36-39
New King James Version
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”

37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.

38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”

39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Jesus carried out his mission to die for the world with purpose and resolve.

But just before He was to die, he was distraught and scared of what was to come. He was a man who knew of His divine purpose from birth but still, Jesus experienced genuine fear and distress at His approaching crucifixion.

In Jesus, we don’t only see a message to believe but also an example to follow. Even when He started to feel burdened and anxious by what He had to do, He prayed to the Father and even there He prioritised the will of the Father. His unwavering commitment to seeing the will of the Father fulfilled should be your ultimate model of what boldness in doing the will of God looks like.

Life is not without its challenges, many things will try to shake your faith and trust in God but you must know how to handle these situations when they arise.

Proverbs 3:5
New King James Version
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

Trust God!

Trust that God can strengthen you just like he strengthened Paul and Jesus.

Make an intentional effort every day to put His will above your own and even when challenges come, remain courageous and bold because you are backed by God.

Prayer Point:

Father, help me to remain courageous in the face of challenges, help me to always remember that you are the source of my strength. In carrying out your instructions, I remain courageous in the face of adversity.