The Lion thought he did not have courage because he was scared by almost everything like for example he was scared at Dorothy when she slapped his nose for trying to get Toto
The Lion's actions showed he did not have courage by getting scared by Dorothy, getting scared by the monkeys, and getting scared when he first met the Wizard Of Oz.
When the Lion asked The Wizard Of Oz for courage The Wizard Of Oz did not give him courage but gave him a meddle that said "courage" and the Lion felt full of courage and strength.
In the book/movie of The Wizard Of Oz the Lions position at the end of the book was the king of the beasts. The Lion was the king of the beasts and now since he has his courage he can now protect his friends or group.