“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)
Courage is something we often admire in others but struggle to claim for ourselves. We tend to think of courageous people as not feeling fear... that they somehow can step forward confidently, without hesitation or doubt. But Scripture tells a different story.
God doesn’t tell Joshua to feel courageous. He tells him to be courageous. And the reason has nothing to do with Joshua’s own strength or confidence. It has everything to do with God’s presence.
Joshua was stepping into unknown territory. He was taking on new responsibility, leading people forward without a clear roadmap, and carrying expectations that felt heavy. If anyone had a reason to feel afraid or discouraged, it was him. And yet God didn't brush past that fear; He met it with a promise:
“I am with you wherever you go.”
Wow...I don’t know about you, but I feel an instant sense of confidence when I pause long enough to remember that God is always with me.
Even in the quiet seasons.
Even in despair or hardship.
Even when answers feel far away.
I am never alone. And neither are you!
That’s where true courage is born.
So often, we wait to feel ready before we move. We tell ourselves we’ll take the step once fear quiets down, once confidence shows up, and once circumstances feel safer. But courage in God’s kingdom doesn’t work that way.
Courage is choosing obedience even while fear lingers.
It’s trusting that God’s presence matters more than our certainty.
It's seeing yourself through God's eyes and not letting imposter syndrome take hold.
You see, God never asks us to step forward alone. He goes before us, stands beside us, and walks with us into every unknown. Courage isn’t something we have to manufacture. It grows when we remember who is with us every step of the way.
Reflect & Respond
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Where has God been asking you to step forward, even though it feels uncomfortable?
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What fear have you been waiting to disappear before obeying?
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How does knowing God goes with you change how you view that next step?
From Our Heart
If you’re facing something new, unknown, or intimidating right now, we'd love to pray with you. Simply leave a comment on our Wednesday Word blog below or email us at contact@firmlyanchoredfaith.com. We’re walking this journey together.
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