Strong and Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Joshua stood at the Jordan River about to lead Israel into enemy land. Moses was dead. God did not say you are ready. He said be strong and courageous, for I am with you. When John Paul II became pope in 1978, his first words were: Do not be afraid. Courage meant stepping in while God walked beside him.
Your shoulders tighten before the first meeting. You want to hide or perform. Joshua heard the same words at a scary border. You can walk into that room knowing God goes with you.
Walk In First
- 1Before your hardest task today, stand still for thirty seconds.
- 2Tell one coworker or friend: 'I'm nervous about today. Pray for me.' Then take one step in.
Lord, my shoulders are tight before this first meeting. Joshua heard Your voice at the Jordan. Go with me into that room today.
Where do you need God's presence more than a perfect plan this Monday?
Is courage the absence of fear?
No. Joshua is told not to fear while stepping into real danger. Courage acts with God present.
What if I feel discouraged already?
The command pairs with promise: God with you. Discouragement is met with companionship, not shame.
How small can courage be?
Thirty seconds of stillness and one honest step can be enough for today.