Courage, dear heart
11 January - 25 January 2026
‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’
2 Timothy 1:7
‘”Courage, dear heart," and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s.’
C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
As we stand at the threshold of a new season, we’re invited not to shrink back, but to step forward with steady hearts and lifted heads.
Courage, dear heart is a three-week journey of living with confidence and boldness in a time that calls for fearless faith, based on 2 Timothy 1:6-10. Instead of timidity, we choose to trust. Instead of hesitation, we choose to move. Instead of retreat, we choose to seize the opportunities placed before us in this pivotal moment of history.
Take courage, dear heart. The moment is now.
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Ever had to take a step into the unknown, when you can’t see what lies ahead? As we enter a new year, we explore what it means to live with courage rather than fear. Drawing on Paul’s words to Timothy and the gentle call of God to “take heart,” we’ll discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to face uncertain times with faith, hope, and boldness — not just to endure, but to advance.
Study Questions
What’s the most adventurous or risky thing you’ve ever tried (big or small)?
Have you ever taken a step that felt like a leap of faith at the time? What made it feel risky?
Read 2 Timothy 1:6–10 together.
What words or phrases stand out to you as you hear this passage?
Paul urges Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God.”
What do you think this means in everyday Christian life?Verse 6 begins with “for this reason” (or “therefore”).
What reason is Paul pointing back to in the wider context of the letter?Paul says God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Where in your life do you need more courage right now?Read Colossians 1:24.
Is Paul suggesting that Jesus’ sacrifice is somehow incomplete? How else might this verse be understood?It was said that “when we pray, coincidences happen.”
Have you ever experienced something like this, or noticed prayer changing how you see events?What practical steps can help us grow in courage and confidence in God?
Take time to pray together.
Are you currently facing an opportunity—or a challenge—that requires risk or faith?
Spend time praying that God would fan His Spirit into flame in and through us.
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Life can sometimes feel like hard work, but discovering God’s love changes how we face uncertainty, suffering and fear. As we recognise ourselves as God’s beloved, we find courage not only to endure hard moments, but also to share hope with others. As the year begins, we are invited to pause, seek God, and ask the Holy Spirit to show us just how loved we are—because that love changes everything.
Study Questions
Do you love snow or hate it?
Read 1 Timothy 1: 6-10.
When you hear the phrase “Courage, dear heart,” who do you imagine saying it to you — yourself, your church family, or God? Why?
Paul links courage with love rather than fear. How do you think love helps to grow courage?
Paul was strengthened by knowing he was loved by God.
Can you recall a time when God’s love felt especially real or close to you?Have you ever seen someone display a kind of endurance or courage that felt beyond normal human strength?
Do you think suffering can shape the way we speak about Jesus?
If so, how might it make us more — or less — effective witnesses?Read Luke 2:52.
What does this verse suggest about Jesus’ relationship with God and with people? Would you describe Jesus as a people pleaser? Why or why not?Looking ahead to the coming week, what opportunities might you have to speak about Jesus — through words or actions?
Spend time praying together, asking God to help you see yourselves as He sees you, and to grow courage rooted in His love.
This is also the start of our 3 Days of Prayer & Fasting. Find more information for all the prayer events HERE.
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Study questions
Do you believe in mind over matter? Where does that idea seem helpful — and where does it not?
Read 2 Timothy 1:6–10 together.
In verse 7, the Greek word σωφρονισμοῦ is translated as “self-discipline” in the NIV. Other translations have “sound mind” or “self-control”.
Which wording do you find most helpful, and why?Think about intention versus outcome: Is it worse to intend harm and fail, or to cause harm without meaning to? What do you think this reveals about how God views the heart?
Read John 8:32.
What does Jesus suggest happens to us when we believe something that isn’t true?What’s the difference between a reaction and a response?
How might this connect to the kind of “sound mind” Paul describes?Can you think of a biblical character you admire who also failed badly? What does that tell you about how God works with imperfect people?
What parts of your life do you find hardest to hand over to God’s control?
Can you recall a time when God came through for you, even though you really doubted He would?
Spend time praying together, asking God to help you see yourselves as He sees you.