Finding Courage in God's Character

✝️ Faith Over Fear

Scripture:
"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

"The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1

Devotional Word:
Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's the presence of something greater than fear.

When God told Joshua to be strong and courageous as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua wasn't facing a leisurely stroll through friendly territory. He was staring down fortified cities, giant warriors, and impossible odds. The courage God commanded wasn't based on Joshua's strength, military strategy, or leadership skills.

It was based on God's character.

Three times in Joshua 1, God essentially says, "Be courageous because I Am who I Am." The source of courage isn't found in our circumstances, our capabilities, or our confidence—it's found in God's unchanging character.

When fear whispers, "You're not strong enough," courage responds, "But God is all-powerful."

When fear hisses, "You don't know what's coming," courage declares, "But God is all-knowing."

When fear screams, "You're all alone," courage proclaims, "But God is always present."

I learned this lesson in the most unexpected place—a hospital waiting room. My father had been rushed into emergency surgery, and the doctors weren't optimistic. As I sat in that sterile room, fear painted vivid pictures of loss, grief, and a future without my dad's steady presence.

But then I started doing what my mother taught me as a child—I began reciting what I knew to be true about God, regardless of what I felt in the moment:

God is good... all the time. God is faithful... even when I can't see His plan. God is sovereign... even over this hospital room. God is love... even in the midst of pain. God is present... even when He feels distant.

With each declaration of God's character, fear's voice grew quieter and courage's voice grew stronger. Not because my circumstances changed—Dad was still in surgery—but because my focus shifted from the size of my problem to the size of my God.

Courage isn't built on our feelings; it's built on God's faithfulness. Courage isn't based on our understanding; it's based on God's unchanging nature. Courage isn't rooted in our strength; it's rooted in God's sufficiency.

Here's what I've discovered about finding courage in God's character:

God's Power gives us courage to face any giant. "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17)

God's Presence gives us courage to walk through any valley. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." (Psalm 23:4)

God's Promises give us courage to hope beyond our circumstances. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

God's Past Faithfulness gives us courage to trust His future provision. "The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:37)

The enemy wants you to measure your courage by your circumstances. God wants you to measure your courage by His character. The enemy wants you to focus on the size of your mountain. God wants you to focus on the size of your Mountain-Mover.

Prayer: Lord, when fear tries to define my reality, help me to define my reality by Your character. When circumstances seem bigger than my courage, remind me that You are bigger than my circumstances. Give me the courage that comes not from positive thinking, but from knowing You deeply. Help me to be strong and courageous because You are strong and You are with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Which aspect of God's character do you need to remember most when fear comes knocking?

• How has God's faithfulness in the past given you courage for present challenges?

• What "giant" are you facing that needs to be measured against God's character instead of your capabilities?

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