Day 8 – Be Courageous

“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

Have you ever felt discouraged or struggled with fear? If so, you’re not alone. The Bible repeatedly encourages us to be courageous. According to the Oxford Dictionary, courage means “not being deterred by danger or pain; to be brave.”

Fear and discouragement often go hand in hand. Many times in my own life, whenever fear crept in, discouragement quickly followed. But through Scripture, I’ve learned that true courage comes from knowing that God is always with us. When we trust in His presence, we can stand firm in faith, no matter the obstacles we face.

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.”

– Psalm 16:8

Gideon’s Story: From Fearful to Fearless

One example of courage is found in the story of Gideon (Judges 6). God called Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6:14), but Gideon doubted himself. He questioned whether God was truly speaking to him and even asked for multiple signs to confirm it. He made excuses, saying his family was weak and that he wasn’t qualified for the task.

Does this sound familiar? Maybe God has called you to something, but you’re questioning if you heard Him right. Perhaps you feel unequipped, lacking resources, or uncertain about how to proceed.

But just like with Gideon, if God has called you, He will be with you.

“And the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.’”

– Judges 6:16

In the end, Gideon believed what God said about him. He overcame his fear and led Israel to victory, not in his own strength, but through faith in God’s presence.

Joshua’s Commission: A Call to Boldness

Gideon’s story is similar to Joshua’s. When God called Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, He gave him three key instructions:

1. Be strong and courageous.

2. Do not be afraid.

3. Remember that God is with you.

“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

God’s reassurance to Joshua applies to us today:

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

– Isaiah 41:10

Why You Don’t Need to Fear

According to God’s Word, here’s why you can stand boldly in faith:

• God is your refuge and strength, always present in trouble. (Psalm 46:1-2)

• God is with you and will comfort you. (Psalm 23:4)

• God is your salvation, strength, and defense. (Isaiah 12:2)

• God will strengthen your heart. (Psalm 31:24)

Courage Comes From God

True courage is not found in your own strength, it comes from faith in God. As you lean on Him, renew your mind, and trust in His promises, fear will lose its grip.

Imagine what your life could look like on the other side of fear. What if you stepped into your calling with boldness and confidence? What if you pursued God’s purpose for you, unapologetically? That is the life of faith and freedom He desires for you.

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Stay blessed and encouraged,

Nkechi

xoxo