Be Courageous

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Published Date: July 28, 2024

Scripture: Joshua 1:7 (NIV)

"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.."

Devotional Thoughts:

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to act in the face of it. Joshua 1:7 reminds us that God's presence is always with us, whatever comes our way. As we meditate on and internalize Scripture, we gain the strength and courage needed to confront our fears and challenges. God’s promises are a source of unwavering support, giving us the boldness to step out in faith and fulfill His calling for our lives.

Queen Esther risked her life by approaching the king without an invitation to plead for her people’s salvation. Her bravery was rooted in her belief that God had placed her in that position for a purpose. Esther’s example shows that courage often involves taking risks for the greater good and trusting that God is in control.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, refused to worship the golden image, even when faced with death by fire. Their courage to stand up for their faith, despite the threat of the fiery furnace, highlights the power of unwavering faith and obedience to God’s commandments.

Practical Guidelines:

Know and Meditate on God’s Word: Regularly read and reflect on the Bible to strengthen your faith. Understanding God’s promises and His nature will build your courage and help you stand firm in difficult times.

Face Your Fears with Faith: Identify areas where fear holds you back and confront them with a mindset of faith. Like the biblical heroes, choose to act despite your fears, relying on God’s strength and guidance.

Seek God’s Guidance: Pray for courage and wisdom in challenging situations. Ask God to reveal His plan and to give you the bravery to follow it, trusting that He will provide the necessary support and direction.

Remember Past Victories: Reflect on times when you have experienced God’s faithfulness. Drawing on these past experiences can bolster your confidence and courage in current trials.

Encourage Others: Share your experiences and support others in their struggles. Being a source of encouragement can help both you and those around you grow in courage and faith.

Conclusion:

Courage is not a solitary trait but a product of a deep, abiding relationship with God and a firm foundation in His Word. Joshua 1:7 speaks of God's presence always with us. As we follow the examples of courageous figures in the Bible, we learn that true bravery comes from trusting in God’s promises and stepping out in faith. Let us commit to being courageous in our daily lives, drawing strength from God’s Word and trusting in His power to guide us through every trial.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of courage in Your Word that inspire and guide us. Help me to meditate on Your Scriptures and to draw strength from them. Grant me the courage to face my fears, to stand firm in my faith, and to trust in Your promises. May Your Word be a light to my path and a source of unwavering courage. In Jesus' name, Amen.