The Type Of Courage We Need

Courage is commonly described as the ability to do things even in the face of uncertainties and fears.

It’s common to hear the phrase “Do it afraid” as a form of motivation, with the intention that the person being encouraged acknowledges the fears and uncertainties he/she feels, and goes ahead with the actions nonetheless.

Joshua was a young man who was about to step into considerably large leadership shoes. God had instructed Moses to commission him before the people of Israel (Numbers 27:18-23).

Moses had guided the people thus far from egypt, but Joshua was about to lead them into taking possession of the promised land. Joshua’s stewardship of the people was at a defining point in their story; a moment that signified the beginning of the manifestation of God’s promises to them.

Bearing the importance of the moment in mind, and the expectations that may have been involved, let’s look at the encouragement Joshua had to work with:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

Joshua repeatedly received the command to be strong and courageous as he set about the divine work ahead of him. Why? Because the Lord God would be with him wherever he went.

We do not ignore that he was also instructed to study, meditate in and obey all that was in the Book of God’s law, following the ways that Moses had set without any deviations (Joshua 1:7-8).

As he walked in this obedience, and in accordance with God’s plans and purposes, God’s promise was that He would not leave or abandon Joshua. So, in his courage, he was not to be afraid, dismayed or intimidated by anything or anyone.

This is the type of courage we need, this good courage; where we are not afraid or dismayed, because the Lord, our God has promised to be with us wherever we go, as we remain on His path and allow His Word dwell in us.

It is not unusual for us as believers to get to certain points or seasons where we are faced with a path or task that we know is in accordance with God’s Will and promises to us, yet seems daunting and challenging.

In such times, we don’t “do it afraid” — we do it with the strength and courage that our understanding of God’s abiding presence provides.

What about the uncertainties we may feel in those kinds of moments?

We find assurance in the promises of God to us, as revealed in His Word. We also receive comfort and bear strong convictions, knowing that His Word is a more sure word of prophecy than what our feelings or the contrary things we see seek to make us believe.

For Joshua, God repeatedly assured that He had given them this land they were about to enter and possess (Joshua 1:2-6). In fact, Israel’s initial refusal to go up into the promised land despite God’s word, because of fear of the people therein was a great offense to the Lord (see Numbers 13 & 14).

Do you find yourself at a similar junction like Joshua and the Israelites, with a task ahead that seems bigger than you? Face it with strength and courage, for the Lord your God is with you.