"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 (NIV)
Have you ever noticed that God rarely gives us courage for the whole journey? Instead, He gives us courage for today.
Sometimes we think we'll feel brave before we take the next step. But more often than not, courage comes because we choose to trust God and move forward anyway.
There have been seasons in my life when I didn't know what the next chapter would look like. There were decisions that felt overwhelming, prayers that seemed unanswered, and moments when fear whispered that I wasn't enough. Yet every time I chose to place my hand in God's, He faithfully met me there.
I've learned that courage isn't the absence of fear, it is the presence of faith. It's believing that even when we don't have all the answers, we know the One who does.
Maybe your "courage" today looks different than someone else's. Maybe it's making a difficult phone call, starting over after disappointment, extending forgiveness, stepping into a new opportunity, or simply trusting God with something you've been carrying for far too long.
Whatever you're facing, remember this: God isn't asking you to have tomorrow's strength today. He's simply asking you to trust Him with the next step.
You don't have to walk into the future alone. The same God who has been faithful in every season is already waiting for you there.
*This photo was taken on my Papa's homestead in New Mexico. When I look at it, I'm reminded of the courage and faith my family needed each day as they worked the land and lived with very little. Yet even through hardships, they held on to hope. Their stories of faith, perseverance and resilience are still being shared today.
Take a Moment to Reflect
- What fear have I been allowing to keep me from moving forward?
- Where is God asking me to trust Him with just one next step?
- How has God shown His faithfulness in past seasons that I can remember today?
A Prayer
Father, thank You for being my strength when I feel weak and my peace when fear tries to take over. Help me to stop focusing on everything that could happen tomorrow and instead trust You with today. Give me the courage to take the next step You have placed before me, knowing that You promise to walk beside me every step of the way. Remind me that I never face life's challenges alone because Your presence goes with me. Help me choose faith over fear and confidence over doubt. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This Month's Reminder:
You don't need courage for your whole future, you only need enough faith to trust God with today.