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How many situations arise in an “ordinary day” in your life that cause fear or doubt or a lack of confidence to well up in your stomach and maybe even up to your throat? I’ve made my own short list from some of my days that began in the usual way:
God has four words for us when we must face, endure, or are surprised by these kinds of challenges: “Do not be afraid” (Joshua 1:9). These words were spoken by God to Joshua, the new leader of the children of Israel, after Moses’ death. Suddenly Joshua found himself responsible for leading a massive group of people — more than two million!
Fear is often seen as being reserved for the weak. But Joshua, a man experienced in warfare, was in no way weak. Yet God spent a considerable amount of time bolstering Joshua’s courage and admonishing him about the dangers of fear (Joshua 1:1-9).
God knew Joshua, and He knows you and me too. He also knows that we are strong in many ways but still tend to have our own fears and doubts. But no worries! God told Joshua–and He speaks to us as well–to “be strong and of good courage.” Why? Because “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (verse 9).
The first step to gaining courage is realizing that fear is natural, whereas the presence of God right beside you, all the time, is supernatural. When you recall this truth, you’ve successfully begun to fight your fears and gain strength and courage of heart for the tasks—and challenges—the Lord has prepared for you. Strength is yours when you remember that Jesus promised to stay with you when He said, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Courage was perfectly modeled by Christ in the face of His impending death. But, Jesus was courageous because He knew that He was in the faithful hands of the Father. Fear was never an issue for Jesus because He trusted in the Father’s timetable for His life. Courage is as much about trust as it is about bravery. God was with Joshua infusing him with courage. God was with Jesus. And He’s with you and me too. If we trust that God will guide and protect us, then He will provide the strength and courage we need to make it through the challenges of life.
Question: Can you share a time when God’s presence infused you with His supernatural courage? If you are facing a challenge or fear today, choose and share a verse that you will help you trust God and claim His supernatural courage.
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Read Courage Under Fire on Elizabeth & Jim George.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
