Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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 1:7-9

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Command Received
By Jennifer Kane

In the shadows where fear may dwell, 
A whisper rings like a sacred bell, 
“Be strong and courageous,” He calls your name, 
Through trials and storms, His love stays the same. 

With each heavy step on this winding road, 
Remember His promise; you’re never alone. 
For heroes are forged in the fires of pain, 
With faith as your armor, you can rise again. 

Lift up your heart to the heavens above, 
Embrace every challenge with courage and love. 
In moments of doubt, let hope be your light, 
For God walks beside you through day and night. 

So venture forth boldly, let His Word be your guide, 
With the Spirit beside you, there’s nothing to hide. 
The land of great promise awaits every brave soul— 
Let faith be your anchor; let it make you whole. 

With each beat of courage in the face of despair, 
You mirror the strength of His hand in your care. 
Remember His words as a beacon so bright: 
“Be strong and courageous; I am with you tonight.”

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Scripture: Joshua 1:7-9

Fear is a natural human response to danger, uncertainty, or challenge. But courage—true, godly courage—is a spiritual response rooted not in our strength but in God’s presence.

Throughout Scripture, God tells His people over and over again: “Do not be afraid.” Why? Not because fear won’t come knocking, but because He is with us in the moment we open the door. Courage is not the absence of fear—it is choosing to act despite it, because we trust the One who stands beside us.

When God called Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, He didn’t offer a battle plan or a guarantee of ease. He gave a command: “Be strong and courageous.” And then He gave the reason: “For the Lord your God will be with you.”

The same is true for us. Whether it’s sharing your faith, stepping into a new role, standing for truth, or facing personal hardship, God asks us to walk forward bravely—because He walks with us. When we act in faith even when afraid, we declare to the world: “My God is bigger than my fear.”

Let your courage be a testimony to your trust. Show the world that obedience to God matters more than comfort, and that His presence makes the impossible possible.

Think of one thing you’ve been putting off because of fear. Pray about it. Then take one courageous step forward this week, trusting that God is with you every step of the way.

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Lord God, You are my strength and my shield. When I am afraid, remind me that You are near. Help me to choose courage in the face of fear, not because I am fearless, but because You are faithful. I trust You, Lord. Lead me, and I will follow. In Jesus’ name I ask this, amen.

May 12 2025