Courage, dear heart.

I asked God how this year is going to be and He directed me to the first chapter of Joshua during my quite time. The whole passage talked about how God commanded Joshua to "Be strong and courageous" in the face of a dilemma. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt for years but he passed away on their way to the land that God promised to His people.

God chose Joshua to stand at Moses' post as the next leader to rise to the occasion as God fulfills His promise to bring them to the place He prepared for them. I can only imagine how Joshua probably felt unequipped and insecure to lead after their great and miracle working leader, Moses. Probably Josh was consumed with so much fear while he looked at his limitations which he would had evaluated himself with to lead around 2 million people.

"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 Well, I could only assume that he did feel overwhelmed after reading the passage and realized that God encouraged and commanded him to "Be strong and courageous" not just once (verse 6) nor twice (verse 7) , but three times (verse 9)! Man, talk about how frightened Josh actually was!

I love how God wrapped His strong exhortation and important command with the promise of His sweet presence to be with him! Joshua must then felt assured realizing that it was never about his leadership but God's! Fear did consume him but His presence was his consolation and confidence. Josh led boldly and courageously! I reflected upon the subject of courage and it has exposed a few of my misconceptions that led me to truths about it.

1. Courage is not the absence of fear.

2. It is not confidence based on what we can do but it is confidence in God.

3. God does not literally gift us with courage but He gifts us His presence.

4. Courage is not passively waiting to feel "brave" but it is birthed by proactively engaging with the promise of God's presence to be with us.

5. While fear is the default response to overwhelming situations, to "be strong and courageous" is a choice.

We are empowered to make that choice! I really find this amazing! God cannot be courageous in my stead! I can only make this decision for myself, "Stay in fear or be courageous and move forward in faith?"

This quote has then been my go to "self talk".

This message wrecked my whole being! I felt that while reading, God was whispering the same exhortation to my mind, soul and spirit as I continue to do His ministry assignments not just this year but to the many next. Once again, I felt assured that the growth of the ministry is not about what I can do to serve the next generation but ultimately there will be fruitfulness in God's timing because He's able to turn the lives of these students right side up even in the midst of the trying times that we're at. Not only for the ministry, but wherever God is taking me in the journey of saying "YES" to serve Him fulltime. The word of encouragement was timely, personal and sweet! He will be with me wherever I go. He will continue to guide. I'm not left on my own. He is with me as He empowers me to do the desires of His heart and I only need to "Be strong and courageous"! And the same truth applies to you! GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO. So go and "Be very strong and courageous". What is He telling you to do? Where is He leading you this season? How else does He want to partner with you in your life's journey? God's got you! Be strong and be courageous! Be guided by Him and take that leap of faith.