Courage for the Next Step
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
After days of battling fear, acknowledging our limits, and remembering God's faithful presence, we reach a pivotal moment: the next step. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s movement in the midst of it. All throughout Scripture, God’s people are invited not just to feel something different, but to do something different—in spite of their fear. Not because they were strong, but because they trusted the One who was with them.
When Joshua stood at the edge of the Promised Land, God didn’t promise a fight-free path—He promised His presence. “Be strong and courageous,” God said, “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Courage wasn’t rooted in the absence of giants—it was rooted in the assurance of God.
That same promise holds true for you. You don’t need to wait until your fear disappears to obey. You don’t have to feel brave to take the next step. You just have to believe that God is bigger than your fear—and that He’ll meet you in motion. Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is simply not give up. To speak when you'd rather stay silent. To stay when you'd rather run. To keep showing up with open hands and a heart that says, “God, I trust You even here.”
Today is not about conquering everything. It’s about doing the next right thing. And believing that the God who carried you this far isn't going to stop now.
Reflection Question
What is the “next right step” God is inviting you to take—even if you still feel afraid? What would it look like to obey, trusting God’s presence more than your fear?
Courage doesn’t mean you feel fearless—it means you trust God enough to move forward anyway.
Prayer
God, I don’t always feel brave. Fear still speaks loud sometimes. But I don’t want to be ruled by it. Thank You that I don’t walk alone. Give me courage—not because I’m strong, but because You are with me. Help me to take the next step You’re calling me to, even if it’s shaky, even if I’m unsure. Remind me that obedience opens the door to peace, and that courage is often found in motion. I trust You with what’s next. Amen.
After days of battling fear, acknowledging our limits, and remembering God's faithful presence, we reach a pivotal moment: the next step. Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s movement in the midst of it. All throughout Scripture, God’s people are invited not just to feel something different, but to do something different—in spite of their fear. Not because they were strong, but because they trusted the One who was with them.
When Joshua stood at the edge of the Promised Land, God didn’t promise a fight-free path—He promised His presence. “Be strong and courageous,” God said, “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Courage wasn’t rooted in the absence of giants—it was rooted in the assurance of God.
That same promise holds true for you. You don’t need to wait until your fear disappears to obey. You don’t have to feel brave to take the next step. You just have to believe that God is bigger than your fear—and that He’ll meet you in motion. Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is simply not give up. To speak when you'd rather stay silent. To stay when you'd rather run. To keep showing up with open hands and a heart that says, “God, I trust You even here.”
Today is not about conquering everything. It’s about doing the next right thing. And believing that the God who carried you this far isn't going to stop now.
Reflection Question
What is the “next right step” God is inviting you to take—even if you still feel afraid? What would it look like to obey, trusting God’s presence more than your fear?
Courage doesn’t mean you feel fearless—it means you trust God enough to move forward anyway.
Prayer
God, I don’t always feel brave. Fear still speaks loud sometimes. But I don’t want to be ruled by it. Thank You that I don’t walk alone. Give me courage—not because I’m strong, but because You are with me. Help me to take the next step You’re calling me to, even if it’s shaky, even if I’m unsure. Remind me that obedience opens the door to peace, and that courage is often found in motion. I trust You with what’s next. Amen.
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