Be Courageous

Courage is not the absence of fear; it’s the decision to act despite it. In the book of Joshua, we see God commanding Joshua repeatedly to be strong and courageous. Why? Because the task before him—leading Israel into the Promised Land—was daunting. Joshua was stepping into a leadership role after Moses, confronting enemies, and leading a people prone to doubt and rebellion. Courage was not just a suggestion; it was a command.

This call to courage is the same for us today. Every man faces moments where fear threatens to paralyze him—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. But courage begins when we place our trust in God rather than in our circumstances. God does not ask us to muster courage on our own. He assures us, as He did Joshua, that His presence goes with us:"The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."This is the foundation of biblical courage.

Courage also means standing firm in your faith when the world pushes you to compromise. It’s the resolve to live with integrity, even when it costs you. Courage is required to be a leader in your family, to set godly boundaries in your life, and to pursue the calling God has placed on your heart. It’s not always flashy or dramatic; often, it’s the quiet decision to keep moving forward when giving up feels easier.

Consider the story of Gideon in Judges 6. When God calls Gideon to deliver Israel, Gideon feels unqualified and afraid. Yet God sees something in him that Gideon does not see in himself: a mighty warrior. Courage, in God’s eyes, is not about your strength but about your willingness to trust His.

Where is God calling you to be courageous today? Perhaps it’s in leading your family spiritually, confronting a personal fear, or taking a step of faith in an uncertain situation. Remember, courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about trusting God’s power over your own. Like Joshua, you are not alone. The God who commands courage also equips it.

Challenge:Identify one area in your life where fear is holding you back. Take one small but bold step today to confront it. It could be starting a difficult conversation, praying over a daunting decision, or stepping into a new responsibility. Remember, God is with you.

Prayer:Lord, I thank You for calling me to be courageous. I confess that fear often holds me back, but I choose to trust in Your promises. Remind me that You are with me wherever I go, and that I do not have to rely on my strength alone. Give me the boldness to confront my fears, the perseverance to stand firm in my faith, and the confidence to walk in obedience to Your calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.