Throughout life, we will face seasons of disappointment. Times when things do not go according to our plans. When events just don’t make sense. When we are hurt, confused, or angry.
Courage is perseverance in the face of disappointment. It is continuing in the face of loss. Courage is rooted in faith – faith that pursuing the path Jesus lays out for us has rewards that go beyond mere circumstance. The boldness commanded in Scripture is an edict to continue sailing to the true north when it isn’t easy – in the face of obstacles.
Courage is not the absence of pain. We can spend a good chunk of our time trying to avoid danger, confusion, or mystery. But pain will come.
Boldness does not eliminate our fears; it overcomes them. We can’t show courage if all is going as we hope and expect. It is only during disappointment or danger of loss where we have the opportunity to be courageous.
There is no reason to feel ashamed for being afraid. Courage is naturally accompanied by fear. And being disappointed does not mean we failed. In fact, we succeed when we face down disappointment and continue striving.