Courage Over Fear: Stepping into God’s Promises
In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves at crossroads where fear and courage collide. The story of Joshua and the Israelites entering the Promised Land serves as a powerful reminder of how God equips us to face our challenges with strength and courage.
As we explore this narrative, we uncover three key themes that resonate with our own spiritual journeys: the promise of God’s presence, the call to strength and courage, and the importance of obedience to God’s Word.
The Promise of God’s Presence
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” These words, spoken to Joshua, echo through time and speak directly to our hearts today. In a world filled with uncertainty, the assurance of God’s constant presence is a balm to our souls.
Just as God was with Moses, He promises to be with us in every step of our journey. This promise isn’t just for the mountaintop experiences but also for the valleys of despair and the wilderness of doubt. The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
This promise of presence isn’t a distant, uninterested deity watching from afar. Instead, it’s the intimate companionship of a loving Father who walks beside us, guiding our steps and catching us when we fall. Like a parent teaching a child to ride a bike, God runs alongside us, supporting us as we navigate the wobbly paths of life.
The Call to Strength and Courage
“Be strong and courageous.” This refrain, repeated multiple times in Joshua’s commissioning, serves as a rallying cry for believers throughout the ages. But what does it mean to be strong and courageous in the face of life’s challenges?
True courage isn’t the absence of fear but rather the determination to move forward despite our fears. It’s the recognition that something – or Someone – is more important than our anxieties and doubts. This courage isn’t rooted in our own abilities or strength but in the unwavering faithfulness of God.
The Psalmist encourages us, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord” (Psalm 31:24). This waiting isn’t passive; it’s an active posture of trust and expectation. It’s in this place of waiting that we find the strength to face our giants, cross our Jordan Rivers, and step into the promises God has for us.
Consider the story of John Wesley, who faced rejection from the established church but found the courage to preach in open fields and mines. His boldness, fueled by a passion for sharing the Gospel, sparked a spiritual awakening that transformed a nation. This serves as a powerful reminder that when we step out in courage, trusting in God’s presence and promises, we can be catalysts for change in our communities and beyond.
The Importance of Obedience to God’s Word
The final piece of this spiritual trifecta is the call to obedience. Joshua was instructed to keep God’s Word always on his lips, to meditate on it day and night, and to be careful to do everything written in it. This wasn’t a suggestion but a command – one that came with a promise of prosperity and success.
But what does this look like in our daily lives? It’s more than a cursory glance at a daily devotional or a quick prayer before meals. It’s an invitation to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, to let it permeate every aspect of our lives. The Psalmist beautifully captures this, saying, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
This immersion in God’s Word involves three key actions:
- Speaking the Word: Letting Scripture be a constant part of our vocabulary, encouraging ourselves and others with God’s promises.
- Meditating on the Word: Taking time to reflect deeply on Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal new insights and applications.
- Putting the Word into practice: As James 1:22 exhorts us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
This obedience isn’t about earning God’s favor but about positioning ourselves to experience the fullness of His presence and power in our lives.
Walking in Faith
Following Jesus is often like using a GPS – we know our ultimate destination, but we can only see the next turn. God rarely shows us the entire journey at once. Instead, He calls us to trust Him one step at a time, being faithful in the present moment.
The beauty of this journey is that even when we take a wrong turn, God’s grace provides a way back. Like a GPS recalculating our route, God’s love and guidance are constant, always leading us back to the path He has for us.
As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s remember these timeless truths:
- God’s presence is always with us, providing comfort and strength.
- We are called to be strong and courageous, not in our own power, but in God’s.
- Obedience to God’s Word is key to experiencing the fullness of His promises.
In light of these truths, we must ask ourselves: What is God saying to us right now? And more importantly, what are we doing about it? God’s Word always invites a response, a step of faith.
As we reflect on these themes, may we be inspired to step out in faith, trusting in God’s presence, drawing on His strength, and walking in obedience to His Word. In doing so, we’ll find ourselves on an adventure of faith, stepping into the promises and purposes God has for us, transforming not only our own lives but the world around us.
This blog is created from a sermon series I preached at Heart Church. You can listen to this message here
PS DAN CRONIN 