“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.”

“Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.”

“I will strengthen you and help you.”;

“I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Plenty of verses in the Bible encourage us to be brave in front of setbacks. Four times, it is even repeated in the verse above-mentioned. It proves that the setbacks we encounter in life are numerous and ubiquitous, and most of us give in easily in front of setbacks. There are always times in our lives when we are in dire situations like money problems, work stress, serious illness, or fatal accidents. “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go. －Joshua 1:9.” We fail to persevere, for we often misunderstand courage. Courage is not to be sure of our strength and march forward bravely; It is self-confidence. Courage is to be unsure of our strength but still march forward bravely. It comes not from irrationality but from believing that our real strength is from the Lord. It requires full knowledge of the Lord. True courage comes from understanding the Lord’s strengths and His love for us.