Called to Courage
Friday, June 3rd, 2026
How God’s presence gives us the strength to face fear, lead faithfully, and move forward when circumstances are difficult
Primary Scripture
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Introduction: Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear
When most people think of courage, they imagine fearlessness.
A warrior charging into battle.
A leader standing before a crowd.
A hero facing impossible odds.
But biblical courage is not the absence of fear.
It is obedience in the presence of fear.
Joshua was not standing on the edge of comfort when God spoke these words. He was standing on the edge of uncertainty. Moses, Israel's great leader, was gone. The Promised Land lay before him. Enemies stood in the way. The responsibility was enormous.
And in that moment, God did not give Joshua a detailed strategy.
He gave him a promise.
"The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
The source of Joshua's courage was not confidence in himself.
It was confidence in God's presence.
The Command to Be Courageous
Notice that God does not offer courage as a suggestion.
He commands it.
"Be strong and courageous."
This command might seem unreasonable until we understand what follows.
God never commands courage apart from His presence.
He does not tell Joshua to be courageous because Joshua is capable.
He tells Joshua to be courageous because God is faithful.
Many believers wait until fear disappears before taking a step of faith.
Scripture teaches the opposite.
Faith often moves while fear is still present.
Courage is not the absence of uncertainty.
It is trusting God despite uncertainty.
Why Fear Has Such Power
Fear is one of the enemy's favorite tools.
Fear magnifies obstacles.
Fear exaggerates problems.
Fear convinces us to focus on what could go wrong instead of what God has promised.
Fear says:
"What if you fail?"
Faith asks:
"What if God is faithful?"
Fear says:
"You are not enough."
Faith says:
"God is enough."
Fear shifts our focus from God's character to our circumstances.
That is why courage begins with remembering who God is.
Analogy: A Child Holding a Father's Hand
Imagine a young child walking through a dark unfamiliar place.
The darkness has not changed.
The uncertainty has not disappeared.
The surroundings may still feel intimidating.
Yet the child finds confidence because they are holding their father's hand.
The courage comes not from understanding every detail of the path.
The courage comes from knowing who is walking beside them.
This is exactly what God offers Joshua.
And it is what He offers us.
The promise was never that the road would be easy.
The promise was that God would be present.
Courage Rooted in God's Presence
Joshua's courage was not rooted in military strength.
Not in intelligence.
Not in experience.
Not in personality.
It was rooted in God's presence.
“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14 (ESV)
The greatest source of courage available to a believer is not confidence in self.
It is confidence in God's nearness.
The God who parted the Red Sea was with Joshua.
The God who delivered Israel from Egypt was with Joshua.
The God who keeps His promises was with Joshua.
And that same God remains with His people today.
Facing Fear with Faith
Every believer faces moments where fear attempts to dictate decisions.
Fear of failure.
Fear of rejection.
Fear of loss.
Fear of uncertainty.
Fear of the future.
The question is not whether fear will appear.
The question is whether fear will lead.
Faith does not deny reality.
Faith simply refuses to give fear the final word.
David understood this when he wrote:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Notice the reason for confidence.
Not because the valley disappeared.
Not because the danger vanished.
Because God was present.
Leading When Circumstances Are Difficult
Joshua's assignment was not easy.
He was asked to lead people through uncertainty while carrying responsibility that would affect generations.
Many leaders know this feeling.
Parents experience it.
Pastors experience it.
Business owners experience it.
Ministry leaders experience it.
Anyone entrusted with responsibility eventually faces moments where the burden feels heavy.
The temptation is to believe courage comes from having all the answers.
But Scripture reveals something different.
Great leadership begins with dependence.
Joshua did not succeed because he knew everything.
He succeeded because he trusted the One who did.
The Difference Between Confidence and Courage
Confidence often depends on circumstances.
Courage depends on conviction.
Confidence says:
"I can handle this."
Courage says:
"God will sustain me."
Confidence rises and falls with outcomes.
Courage remains because it is anchored in God's character.
This is why courage can exist even when circumstances appear unfavorable.
It is built on a foundation that does not change.
Application for Modern Life
Today, many believers find themselves facing difficult seasons.
Unexpected diagnoses.
Financial uncertainty.
Relationship struggles.
Career transitions.
Ministry challenges.
Parenting burdens.
The temptation is to wait for perfect conditions before moving forward.
But Joshua 1:9 reminds us that courage does not come from favorable circumstances.
It comes from God's faithful presence.
As a DVNTRTH community, we are called to be people who move forward in obedience even when the path is unclear. We are called to trust God when fear speaks loudly and circumstances seem overwhelming.
The presence of God is greater than the obstacle before you.
Reflection and Discussion Questions
What fears am I currently facing that are challenging my faith?
Do I tend to focus more on God's promises or my circumstances?
Where is God calling me to step forward in courage right now?
How does God's promise to be with me change the way I view my situation?
Am I waiting for fear to disappear before obeying God?
Closing Exhortation
God did not call Joshua to a comfortable life.
He called him to a courageous one.
The same is true for us.
Courage is not found in perfect circumstances.
It is found in the presence of a perfect God.
The road ahead may be uncertain.
The obstacles may be real.
The challenges may be significant.
But the God who called you is still with you.
And His presence is enough.
So be strong.
Be courageous.
And keep moving forward in faith.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that courage is not found in our strength but in Your presence. When fear rises and uncertainty surrounds us, help us to remember that You are with us wherever we go. Forgive us for the times we have allowed fear to guide our decisions instead of trusting in Your promises.
Strengthen our hearts to walk by faith and not by sight. Give us courage to obey You even when the path ahead is unclear. Help us to face challenges with confidence in Your character rather than confidence in ourselves. When circumstances feel overwhelming, remind us that You are greater than every obstacle and faithful in every season.
Teach us to lead with humility, trust, and perseverance. Whether in our homes, workplaces, ministries, or communities, help us to stand firm and remain faithful to the calling You have placed on our lives. Let our courage be rooted in the assurance that You never leave us nor forsake us.
We surrender our fears, our doubts, and our uncertainties into Your hands. Fill us with peace, strengthen us with faith, and guide us with Your presence every step of the way.
In Jesus' name, AMEN.