Courageous Living

The dictionary defines fear as, “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.” Yeah… I’ve been there. And so have you. The real issue is not if we have fear but when we have fear, and what we do with the fear we experience.

I love that over and over the Bible reminds us not to be afraid and to be courageous. In fact, that is the very advice God gave Joshua right after sharing His big vision for the people of Israel. It is a huge comfort when I remember that Joshua was a human, just like me.  And he experienced fear. We know that because God very directly addresses his fear. And the most wonderful thing to me is that God does not condemn Joshua for his fear. Instead, He redirects Joshua’s focus.

Joshua had to shift his thinking from what could go wrong to focusing on God’s presence. The key to facing his fear was knowing God was with him and would be with him every step of the way. In the same way, God is with you and will be with you every step of the way. The truth of God’s presence changes everything.

When you hear that statement, God is with you, what does it mean? To me, it means so many things, but a few are:

1. I am not alone. That may sound kind of obvious, but I really need to let that truth sink in. It is easy to become isolated. Sometimes that happens when life has us in a season where we are literally on our own. Other times, we can be surrounded by people, but what we are facing and working through can put up a wall in connecting to other people. No matter what I am facing, God is there with me. He knows every thought and every need, and He never leaves me.
2. God’s presence includes God’s power. I can become really good at depending on myself. The only problem is when I am dependent on myself then I need the ability and strength to face every situation. And like you, there are so many things I cannot do or cannot face. Coming to that reality can be very painful. But despite my limited ability, God is powerful. He is able to do anything He desires. Nothing is beyond His ability or control. And that powerful God, He is working in and through me.
3. The future is secure. God never fails. He has a great track record. He accomplishes 100% of what He sets out to do. He is able to do everything and anything. Without God, I have no guarantee. The future can be overwhelming and uncertain. But if He is with me, then I have security and stability.
4. Even when I fail, there is hope. Even though I know God is with me, I don’t always make the right choices. But even when I make mistakes, it is impossible for me to remove myself from God’s presence. Wherever I go, God is right there. Even in my lowest points, He is present.

God was calling Joshua to great things, way beyond Joshua’s ability. And God is calling each of us to a purpose that is way beyond our ability to accomplish. Naturally, this big calling shows our inadequacies and increases our fear. In fact, if your purpose doesn’t cause you to tremble a little, you may need to listen more closely to God. But just as God calls us to things way beyond our ability, He reminds us – He is with us. We can be strong and courageous, moving forward in confidence, because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.

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No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous…
Joshua 1:5-7 NASB

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NASB

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.”
Psalm 139:7-10 NASB