What would you do if you were ten times more courageous?
I am not brave. I am a coward. I am fearful. The smallest things—the tiniest fears—cripple me easily. The little girl inside me hides her fears and tears, breaking easily, covering up her feelings to protect herself. My mind is chaotic, and that’s why I need to write. I need to process all these raw emotions. It’s hard for me to express them aloud, but writing is always liberating.
"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
How do I live this out? Preparing for this devotion has been heart-wrenching. Yesterday, I was so excited to embrace this truth as if I had found a treasure. But when I face the day, worries and doubts pull me back. Could I have a heart like Joshua—faithful to His Word, accountable to His call, and responsible in my worship?
If I were ten times more courageous, I would forgive, love without fear, write more, and express my love through actions and words instead of keeping it hidden. There are so many things I long to do if only I had more courage.
Joshua had been with Moses for a long time, and when Moses died, it was his time to step up and lead the Israelites.
"After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses... No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.’" — Joshua 1:1-6
Along with God’s command came a beautiful promise: They would enter the land He had prepared for them—a place to settle, a land flowing with milk and honey, and no enemy would be able to stand against them. Most of all, God assured them of His presence: "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
What a beautiful promise. Who wouldn’t want to experience such blessings? But Joshua needed to be courageous to step into that promise. He had to get ready, cross the Jordan River, and prepare the Israelites for battle.
"So Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, ‘Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan to go in and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you to possess.”’" — Joshua 1:10-11
Joshua took charge. He understood that something needed to be done—action and initiative were necessary.
His call to the people was urgent: "Within three days" they would move forward into the land, facing the battles that had once frightened their ancestors and caused them to retreat into the wilderness. Their possession of the land would come through conquest. They couldn’t just wait for God to hand it to them—they had to train, strategize, and prepare.
Joshua remained steadfast in obeying and meditating on God’s commands, trusting His promises. His faithfulness gave him the strength to lead Israel into the Promised Land. More than just leading, he was accountable to God for his obedience and faithfulness in fulfilling the mission.
Joshua acted on God’s command, preparing the people to cross the Jordan and claim the land. He led with courage, knowing that Israel’s success depended on obedience to God’s will.
"So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there… Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." — Joshua 21:43-45
If we lack the courage to obey God’s commands, we forfeit the right to claim His promises. True faith is revealed in obedience, and His blessings are reserved for those who walk in His ways.
So if you’re like me—fearful and hesitant—there is still hope. We can lift our heads high and stand firm because He is with us. Knowing His promise, we can find the courage to fulfill God’s calling, even when our legs shake and our voices tremble. We can step out of our comfort zones and allow God to mold us, remembering that we are accountable for His calling in our lives.
We are on a battlefield. We are not meant to sit and expect life to be a bed of roses. We are warriors who must always be prepared. And yet, a warrior is still a child. We can go to the Father like little ones, running to Him when we are hurt, finding refuge in Him when we feel like we are failing, and resting in His love when our hearts are heavy. We don’t have to be strong on our own—because He is our strength. And that is the true essence of courage: moving forward, not because we are fearless, but because we trust in the One who goes before us.
What Must We Do?
The answer is clear in God’s Word:
Joshua 1:7-9
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.”
From these verses, we are reminded of three important things:
- God commands us to be strong and courageous. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s a command! Fear and discouragement may come, but we are called to stand firm in faith.
- We must continually immerse ourselves in His Word. The Bible should not just be something we read occasionally but something we meditate on daily, storing it in our hearts and applying it in our lives.
- We are never alone. No matter where we go, no matter what we face, God’s presence is with us. That assurance gives us the strength to move forward, even when we feel uncertain.
So today, let us hold on to this truth: Be strong. Be courageous. Stay in His Word. And never forget—God is with you.
