The Journey of Courage

“This is my command, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”- Joshua‬ ‭1:9‬ Joshua was a young leader who some thought could not do the job. He might have even thought that the job was too hard or big for him. And to be honest, it was a large job to lead people from the wilderness and danger to victory and safety. It was a large job for anyone, let alone a student or kid. But this is why I love our God, because God has a way of making the things that look too hard or big, work out for the good of those who love Him. A major part of loving God is following the commands found in the Bible. Joshua was able to lead the people not because he was smarter than anyone else or because he was better than anyone else, but because he was willing to follow the commands of the Lord. He was willing to be strong and courageous. Being strong speaks to strength; but being courageous speaks to having a will to do more and move past whatever the obstacle might be. If we are going to truly live out God’s commands we have to be willing to have this level of courage in the face of all types of fear. Can you imagine the fear Joshua had, not just leading people who liked him, but leading people who didn’t like him and some of whom thought that he was not able to do the job? That takes a whole new level of faith to stand in that kind of fear. But guess what?  You also have faith like this. You have this level of faith because you also have this level of attack. As a child of God, you are a leader. The enemy wants you to fear doing the big role or the big task. However, your lesson should come from Joshua and his trust in God to do what He commanded. Be strong and courageous because God will be with you wherever you go. I have to say this before you end this day. The Bible doesn’t say “some” places or only “at church.” The Bible says “wherever” you go. God wants you to know that no matter what the circumstance or the situation, there is no reason to fear because your God, my God, the God of your parents, and of your future kids will be there with you. I don’t know about you, but that is great news to me! Do what God has commanded of you and be strong and courageous. God is everywhere with you and will never leave you stranded.