Embrace Courage

Trusting in Jesus Despite Our Fears

In our journey of faith, we often encounter situations that challenge our courage and test our resolve. True courage isn't the absence of fear, but the steadfast trust in Jesus despite our fears. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) beautifully encapsulates this truth: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Let's explore what it means to embrace courage through our faith in Jesus and reflect on how we can apply this in our daily lives.

Understanding Courage in Faith

The command to "be strong and courageous" given to Joshua was not just for a moment of battle but for the continuous journey of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.

• Biblical Context: Joshua was stepping into Moses' shoes, a daunting task filled with immense responsibility. God’s reassurance to Joshua was that His presence would be with him, guiding and strengthening him. This verse emphasizes the promise of God's unwavering presence, offering us support and guidance in every situation. This assurance of divine companionship means that we are never alone in our struggles. God's presence provides us with:
• Support: Knowing that God is with us gives us the strength to endure difficult times. His support reassures us that we can overcome any obstacle.
• Guidance: God's presence means He is guiding our steps, helping us make wise decisions and navigate life's uncertainties.
• Comfort: In moments of fear and discouragement, God's presence brings comfort, reminding us that we are cared for and loved.

Similarly, our call to courage is for every step of our faith journey, whether we face personal challenges, uncertainties, or spiritual battles. This assurance is extended to us today through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit continues to comfort and strengthen us today, empowering us to trust Jesus more completely, and relying on God's promises. This blessed assurance gives us confidence, security, and the determination to persevere.

Reflecting on Joshua 1:9

1. Strength and Courage "Be strong and courageous" is a divine imperative. It reminds us that our strength and courage are not self-derived but come from our reliance on God.
• Supporting Verse: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).
2. Overcoming Fear and Discouragement Fear and discouragement are natural human responses to life's challenges. However, God’s promise is that we do not have to face these emotions alone. His presence provides the comfort and reassurance we need.
• Supporting Verse: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).
3. God’s Unfailing Presence The core of Joshua 1:9 is the promise of God's presence. This divine companionship is a source of unwavering support and guidance, ensuring that we are never alone in our struggles.
• Supporting Verse: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).

In Matthew 28:20b, Jesus reinforces this promise: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This verse is part of the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. His promise of unwavering presence is not just for the disciples of that time but for all believers throughout the ages.

This assurance provides us with the following:

• Confidence: Jesus' promise that He will be with us always gives us the confidence to step out in faith and fulfill the callings He has placed on our lives.
• Security: Knowing that Jesus is with us, we find security and peace, even in the midst of life's storms.
• Motivation: The promise of His presence motivates us to persevere in our spiritual journey, knowing that we are not alone.

Personal Relationship

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus and God the Father. The Spirit helps us cultivate intimacy with God by growing our love and knowledge of Him through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. As we spend time in these spiritual disciplines, we become more attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives. The Bible reminds us, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans" (Romans 8:26). Are you making time to cultivate intimacy with God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Additionally, the Holy Spirit deepens our faith, enabling us to trust Jesus more fully and rely on God's promises. This strengthening of faith allows us to face challenges with greater confidence and assurance in God's provision. The Apostle Paul writes, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13). In what ways can you deepen your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit? By embracing the Holy Spirit's work in our lives, we can develop a more profound and resilient faith that reflects our growing relationship with God.

Practical Applications

1. Daily Trust in God Embracing courage means developing a daily habit of trusting God. Begin each day with prayer, asking for His guidance and strength to face whatever lies ahead.
• Practical Step: Consider starting a journal to document moments where you trusted Him in challenging situations and how He provided for you. This practice not only helps you remember God's faithfulness but also encourages you to continue trusting Him in future circumstances.
2. Facing Fears Head-On Identify your fears and bring them before God. Acknowledge them, but don’t let them control you. Instead, let your trust in Jesus empower you to overcome them.
• Practical Step: Make a list of your fears and write out a corresponding promise from Scripture that addresses each one. For example:
• Fear of Failure: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
• Fear of Rejection: "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)
• Fear of the Unknown: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
• Fear of Inadequacy:  "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9) 
3. Encouraging Others Courage is contagious. By sharing your testimony of God’s faithfulness, you can inspire and encourage others to trust in Jesus despite their fears.
• Practical Step: Share your stories of faith and courage in your community, whether it’s in a small group, church, or social media.

Conclusion and Prayer

Embracing courage through our faith in Jesus is a transformative journey that requires daily trust, facing fears head-on, and the encouragement of others. The promise of God’s unwavering presence, as highlighted in Joshua 1:9, assures us that we are never alone. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and grow in our faith, enabling us to overcome any challenge.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promise to be with us wherever we go. Help us to embrace courage and trust in You despite our fears. Strengthen our faith through the Holy Spirit and guide us in our daily walk with You. May we find comfort in Your presence, support in Your guidance, and confidence in Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria