SECTION 1

This section considers some outstanding examples of faith and courage, starting with Enoch down to the time of the prophet Samuel.

A chart showing the lifespans of Bible characters and scenes of significant Bible events.

1 ENOCH

Enoch stood apart from the world of his day in at least two ways. How was this possible? What can he teach us about courage?

2 NOAH

How is our time similar to the days of Noah? See how you might imitate Noah’s courage in your life.

3 SARAH

In what ways did Sarah show faith and courage?

4 ABRAHAM

What can we learn from Abraham’s willingness to rescue his nephew Lot? How did Jehovah respond to the courage and faith he showed?

5 ABRAHAM

How can we imitate Abraham’s courage to obey God? What does this account teach us about the love of Jehovah?

6 REBEKAH

Rebekah was a woman of remarkable courage and faith. What can we learn from her example?

7 JACOB

How can Jacob’s example convince you that gaining a blessing from Jehovah is worth any struggle?

8 JOSEPH

See how Joseph’s example can help you to resist temptations and endure trials.

9 SHIPHRAH, PUAH, AMRAM, JOCHEBED, AND MIRIAM

The midwives, Moses’ parents, and his sister showed outstanding faith and courage. How can we do the same?

10 MOSES

What decision did Moses make and why? What can you learn from his example?

11 MOSES

How can Moses’ experiences give us confidence that Jehovah will back us up even if we feel unqualified to fulfill an assignment from Him?

12 CALEB

See how Caleb’s example can help us resist pressure to “follow after the crowd.”

13 JOSHUA

What unusual instructions did Joshua receive from Jehovah? In what situations might we imitate Joshua’s example?

14 RAHAB

What can we learn from what Rahab did? How was she blessed for her faith and courage?

15 NAOMI AND RUTH

In what ways did Naomi and Ruth show courage? What lessons can we learn from their example?

16 BARAK AND DEBORAH

Barak insisted that Deborah go with him to the battlefield. Was it a sign of weakness or of strong faith?

17 JAEL

Jael’s courageous act against an enemy of Jehovah still lives on. Why do we need courage like hers today more than ever?

18 GIDEON

In what situations might we need to be both courageous and cautious?

19 JEPHTHAH AND HIS DAUGHTER

How can the example of Jephthah and his daughter be helpful for us today?

20 SAMSON

What can we learn from Samson’s actions after he made a mistake?

21 SAMUEL

When might young people need courage to stand up for what is right?

SECTION 2

This section considers ancient examples of faith and courage, starting with Jonathan, the son of King Saul, then discussing King David, and ending with God’s people returning from exile in Babylon and rebuilding Jerusalem.

A chart showing the lifespans of Bible characters and scenes of significant Bible events during the days of the kings to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

22 JONATHAN

Jonathan faced a conflict of loyalties. How did he know to whom he should be loyal? How can we imitate him?

23 DAVID

David was renowned as “a courageous, mighty warrior.” How did his example encourage others? What effect may your courage have on others?

24 ABIGAIL

What can wives and husbands learn from the account of Abigail?

25 DAVID

David was in a position to seek revenge. What held him back? How can we follow his example?

26 NATHAN

What does Nathan’s example teach us about how to help a friend who makes a serious mistake?

27 MEPHIBOSHETH

What comforting lessons can we learn from Mephibosheth?

28 ASA

What lessons can we learn from a man whose heart was complete toward Jehovah?

29 ELIJAH

What helped Elijah overcome his fears?

30 THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH

How does her story encourage us to trust in Jehovah?

31 THE LITTLE ISRAELITE GIRL

This little girl’s example can encourage you to give a witness, even when you feel afraid.

32 ELISHA

In what situations can we be strengthened by “seeing” the angels with our eyes of faith?

33 JEHOIADA

What courageous action did Jehoiada take? In what ways might you imitate his courage in your life?

34 HEZEKIAH

Hezekiah showed great courage and faith. How can we imitate him today?

35 MANASSEH

Why can Manasseh be considered a good example of courage?

36 JOSIAH

Despite enduring a difficult childhood, Josiah displayed remarkable courage to stand up for true worship. In what ways can we imitate him?

37 DANIEL

In what ways can young people imitate Daniel’s courage and loyalty? How can we all benefit from his example?

38 THE THREE HEBREWS

The three Hebrews were courageous, even in the face of death. What can their example teach us about the qualities of humility, mildness, and loyalty?

39 ESTHER

Esther was wise and obedient. She was even able to win over her unbelieving husband. What can we learn from her example?

40 NEHEMIAH

What does Nehemiah’s example teach us about serving Jehovah more fully? How might elders imitate his example?

SECTION 3

This section considers examples of faith and courage during the first century, including a Jewish virgin named Mary and concluding with the apostle John.

A chart that traces the lifespans of Bible characters featured in Section 3. It also highlights some significant events from the time of the Messiah until the final days of the apostle John.

41 ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABETH

Why did Jehovah view Zechariah and Elizabeth as righteous? How can we pursue a similar course?

42 MARY

Mary faced a unique and weighty assignment. How did she find the courage to see it through to the end?

43 JOSEPH

How is Joseph a good example for Christian fathers today?

44 JOHN THE BAPTIST

John was a courageous man who lived a simple life. See what we can learn from him.

45 PETER

What can we learn from Peter about how to continue serving Jehovah despite our weaknesses?

46 MARY MAGDALENE

Mary devoted her life to helping Jesus and his followers. How can we show compassion and courage like she did?

47 MARY, SISTER OF LAZARUS

Jesus praised Lazarus’ sister Mary for her faith and courage. In what ways did she show courage? How can we imitate her today?

48 STEPHEN

Stephen found himself on trial for his life. How did he defend his faith? How can his example encourage us to remain faithful?

49 PETER

How can Peter’s example help us to rely on Jehovah and conquer our fear?

50 SAUL OF TARSUS

What caused this vicious persecutor of Christians to turn his life around? What lessons can we learn from his example?

51 BARNABAS

Barnabas courageously came to Saul’s aid and led him to the apostles. How can we imitate his courage and willingness to serve others?

52 MARK

Despite experiencing setbacks, Mark courageously continued his service and assisted his fellow Christians. What lessons can we learn from him?

53 PAUL

How did the apostle Paul show courage during a seemingly hopeless situation? How did his courage help others?

54 APOSTLE JOHN

The apostle John never gave in to fear or despair. How can we follow his example and continue walking courageously with God?

CONCLUSION

The Bible is filled with examples of men and women, young and old, who courageously took their stand on Jehovah’s side. Their stories can motivate us to do the same.