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Being afraid is a human survival response. When we experience fear, our body reacts physically. Our blood starts flowing away from our hearts and into our limbs to prepare us to run away. But God calls us to be strong and courageous in the face of our fear.

When God told Joshua that he was to be the next leader of the Israelites, Joshua could very easily have run away in fear at such a huge task. Instead, he listened to the call of God on his life and held firm to God’s promises to him. In the first nine verses of the first chapter of the book of Joshua, the words “be strong and courageous” are spoken three times. This is the same command that God has for us today.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to make disciples of all nations. Often, this requires leaving our comfort zones and stepping out in faith. Maybe this looks like talking openly about your faith with your friends or sharing the gospel with someone who has never heard it before. These moments can be scary, but God invites us to face that fear with courage and strength. Courage is not the absence of fear, rather, it is the desire to move forward despite it.

God does not leave us alone in these moments either. Joshua 1:9 reminds us of God’s promise that He “will be with you wherever you go”. This promise is echoed by Jesus in the Great Commission in Matthew 26:16-20. Right after he calls us to make disciples of all nations, Jesus says “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We are never alone in moments of fear; be encouraged that God is with you as you step out in courage and strength!

Question: where is God calling you that makes you feel afraid? How can you face that fear with courage?

Prayer: God, thank you that you do not leave us alone in fear. Help me to be strong and courageous as I share your good news with those around me.