Day 4 — Strong and Courageous

“Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

— Joshua 1:9 (BSB)

Imagine being Joshua. For forty years, he had followed Moses, the greatest leader Israel ever had. Moses talked with God face to face. Moses stood up to Pharaoh. Moses led the whole nation through the Red Sea.

Now Moses had died, and God said to Joshua, “You’re next.”

Joshua had to lead the whole nation across the Jordan River into a land full of walled cities and powerful armies. Do you think he was nervous? Probably! God told him “Be strong and courageous” three times in one chapter. You don’t need to hear that three times unless you’re a little scared.

Here’s something important: being brave doesn’t mean you never feel afraid. Being brave means doing the right thing even when you feel afraid.

You might not be leading an army, but you face scary things too. Walking into a new school. Trying out for a team. Telling the truth when you know you’ll get in trouble. Maybe the hardest of all: standing up for a kid everyone else is picking on.

Notice why God told Joshua to be brave. He didn’t say, “Be brave because you’re strong enough.” He didn’t say, “Be brave because everything will be easy.” He said, “Be brave because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua’s courage didn’t come from his muscles or his experience. It came from knowing God was right beside him. And the same God who went with Joshua into Canaan goes with you onto the school bus, into the classroom and out onto the field.

God also said, “Do not be discouraged.” To be discouraged means to lose your courage, to feel like giving up. When things get hard, it’s easy to think, I can’t do this. But God says, You don’t have to do it alone.

And Joshua did it. He led God’s people into the Promised Land, and God kept every promise. Not because Joshua was fearless, but because God was faithful.

Think about it: What is one thing you’re afraid to do right now, even though you know it’s right?

Try this: Memorize Joshua 1:9 this week. Say it to yourself the next time your heart starts pounding.

Dear God, sometimes I feel afraid. Thank You that being brave doesn’t mean I have to feel brave. Help me remember that You are with me wherever I go. Give me courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, Amen.