Why Courage Matters

God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous.

In fact, in four short verses He told Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. The last of these verses shows the importance of what God said: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Why does courage matter?

First, courage shows we believe in God and want to do His will. Fear and cowardice show just the opposite. Courage means we are willing to trust God with our lives. Fear means we do not trust God.

Second, courage shows we are willing to do the hard things which please God. Right now where I live in South Louisiana (that’s how we describe the southern part of the state), the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River are out of their banks. Both rivers are moving swiftly. Only vessels with tremendous power are going up river. Everything else is going down river. God wants us to live courageously by moving against a culture of disobedience to God.

When we live courageously, it means we are willing to be obedient to God. God told Joshua to “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” (Joshua 1:7).

Third, courage matters because it describes people who do right even when they are afraid.

Finally, courage matters because it takes courage to lead. God called Joshua to lead the people of Israel. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them” (Joshua 1:6).

Courage is not what you are; it is what you choose.

God wants us to be courageous enough to follow Him through life. As we are courageous to stand with Him, we will be blessed by His presence and power.

Thank you for reading. If you would like to receive a devotional like this daily, please  subscribe at the top of the page. I will send you an email reminder each day to help you get started with God on a daily basis. This is a free ministry. May you be blessed by it.

 

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4 Responses

  1. Courage matters because one never knows when God will show up or how He is using you to wake up His, to His design/paradigm, Romans 12:5. And so, one must put on the whole armor of God; and after having done all, stand, waiting for His to show up. We know from history, sometimes martyrs are made this way and the Ananiases and Sapphiraes revealed. Steven had a great view, Acts 7:56, before he Knew, even as he was Known.

    Blessings

  2. Oh, I know when God will show up.

    Always.

    He is right here with me now. He will be with me throughout the day and every moment of my tomorrows. He will be with me wherever I go.

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