“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)
Over the last few days, we’ve been talking about choosing courage. When I was around sixteen years old, my dad shared something with me that I’ve never forgotten. He told me, “Leon, confidence increases the presence of God in your life.” I began to realize that when I choose to do the courageous thing, something rises up within me. When I decide to act valiantly, real boldness comes from my recreated spirit.
It’s interesting that there are more verses telling Joshua to be courageous than any other leader in the Bible. It makes me wonder if this gifted leader struggled with confidence. Over and over, God commanded him, “Be strong! Take courage!”
If God tells you to be something, then you have the ability to do it. You’re created in His likeness and image, so courage is part of who you are. Is God ruled by fear? Is He held back by shyness or timidity? Of course not. You’re His child, so you are courageous and valiant too. If you’ve been raised to think anything less of yourself, those beliefs are a lie. Get into God’s Word and let it retrain your mind.
As you begin to choose courage in everything you do, it boosts your self-esteem. It inspires others around you. It creates a culture of courage in your home, business or team. It creates better communities and enhances the moral climate of your city and nation. With courage, we become people of integrity.
Stop waiting for a feeling of courage to come. Get up and be courageous—because that’s exactly who God created you to be!