Courage
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: SHAPE
Scripture: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. – Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of a greater reality—that the Creator of the universe is walking beside you. When Joshua was called to lead the people into the unknown, his confidence wasn’t rooted in his own ability, but in the unwavering promise of God’s presence. Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, but for the believer, fear is always silenced by the truth that we are never navigating our challenges alone.
Today, identify the ‘dismaying’ circumstances that are tempting you toward fear. Shift your focus from the size of the obstacle to the size of your God. When you recognize that He is with you whithersoever you go, you can move forward with bold, steady courage. Your strength isn’t something you have to manufacture; it is a gift that flows from the assurance that the Almighty is your constant companion.
Prompt: Do you face life’s challenges with fear, or with the courage that comes from knowing God is with you?
Action Step: The SHAPE module reminds us that true courage stems from trusting God’s attributes and plans.
Next Step: Identify one area of fear and surrender it to God.