Lesson in Courage, Part 1

Be strong and courageous. . . . Be strong and very courageous. 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. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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 1:6-9

Courage—what a powerful word. It brings so many impressions: respect, strength, assurance, endurance, and then . . . . .fear! Upon first glance it seems that a common woman such as I could never be considered courageous. Its requirements seem so steep—they suggest someone who lives a fearless life and doesn’t doubt her decisions or motives. (Where’s the exit? I don’t belong here!)

Let’s take a moment to peel back the layers of courage, break it down, look at its core. Perhaps we will find a secret there that the courageous people have discovered. Did they uncover the secret of courage over a period of time, or did it appear without preparation or process? Are some created with it in their DNA? Is courage a gift for only a few?

Our Lord tells us three times in Joshua 1:6-9 to be “strong and courageous.” In verse 7 He adds the word “very.” Did you notice what the Lord does between those three commands? He gives us the blueprint for courage! He teaches us how to achieve it.

God first tells us in this passage that anytime He calls us to a work it will require courage. We will become weary at times. He will have to accomplish the task. Therefore we must set our minds to the concept of following behind Him in His plan, instead of dragging Him along with our plan and asking Him to agree with it.

In verse 7 we find the blueprint. The Word of God holds all the principles, foundation, and tools of decision making. It gives perfect direction. When the waters get muddy, it is God’s Word that will clear them. He will never direct you to compromise your faith or your integrity in order to accomplish His will. Straying from His truth will blemish your integrity and God’s name, and it will bring failure to your task. By staying committed to the truth, neither turning to the left nor to the right, we are assured success.

Following the blueprint for courage brings God’s promise of victory and success. The outcome of our efforts is already known. What a promise!

Heavenly Father, help me to discover how to apply Your blueprint in Your plans for me. I want to serve and please You, and I don’t want fear to keep me from accomplishing Your task for me. Thank You for Your promise of success when I follow You.