Sometimes we have to overlook fear and be courageous
"I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God will go with you wherever you go."
- Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt insecure and afraid?
You felt like you weren't equipped with the courage it took to confront it, face it, or do it. I've had times like that too. It's normal to feel that way when we are being stretched beyond our comfort zone.
There were many stories in the Bible when God told men and women to pursue something they felt insecure about. He instructed them to be strong and courageous because he would be there beside them.
Brave men and women know that courage is an attitude of the heart, regardless of how they feel. I always thought that you had to feel courageous to be courageous. But that is not true.
Joshua was a servant of the Lord who was appointed to lead the Israelites into the promised land. But Joshua felt he lacked the courage to fulfill his duty as a leader. Then he heard God's voice speak to his heart, "be strong and courageous!"
God was encouraging Joshua to overlook his feelings of fear and step out in faith and do what he was called to do. God promised that he would be with him to give him the support he needed.
Our "promised land" is the promise of God to fulfill a desire that lies deep within our hearts. We may long to make a difference in our family, neighborhood, workplace or church; but in order to achieve this, it may require us to confront a situation, discipline a child or start something new. We may not feel brave enough to do it.
Setting our minds on God's word to Joshua can help us to resist the emotion of fear, so we can conquer our obstacles and reach the promise given to us. It can help stir feelings of courage in our hearts to make a difference.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. She is available to speak to your group, church or organization.