Chiamaka NwekeBible Verse: Joshua 1:9
Focus: Stepping out in faith to pursue God’s purpose despite fear and obstacles.
There comes a moment in the life of every believer when God issues a call that stretches beyond our comfort zone. It may be a whisper to start a new ministry, a nudge to leave a secure job, a prompting to forgive someone who has deeply wounded us, or a command to speak truth in a hostile environment. In that moment, fear rises. We feel inadequate. We see the obstacles. We question whether we heard correctly. And we must decide: will we step forward in faith, or will we retreat into the familiar?
The story of Joshua offers one of the most powerful examples of courage in all of Scripture. After the death of Moses, Joshua was tasked with leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land—a land filled with fortified cities and formidable enemies. The weight of the responsibility was immense. Yet, God’s command to him was clear and repeated: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
This verse is not just a motivational quote for difficult times; it is a divine mandate for every believer who is called to walk by faith. It reveals that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God’s presence and power over our circumstances. This article explores what it means to have the courage to follow God’s calling, examining the nature of that calling, the obstacles we face, and the practical steps we can take to step out in faith.
Understanding Joshua’s Calling
To grasp the weight of God’s command, we must step into Joshua’s sandals. The context is critical: Moses, the great leader who had confronted Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, and received the Law, was dead. Joshua, his assistant, was now responsible for leading an often-rebellious multitude into a land filled with walled cities and hostile armies.
The Weight of the Task
Joshua faced an overwhelming assignment. He had to cross the Jordan River at flood stage, conquer the fortified city of Jericho, and secure the land for the twelve tribes of Israel. He likely struggled with feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, and the sheer weight of expectation. The task was humanly impossible, which is precisely why it required divine courage.
The Triple Command
God’s charge to Joshua in Joshua 1:6-9 is not a single instruction but a threefold command. He repeats the call to “be strong and courageous” three times. This triple emphasis was a hallmark of Hebrew rhetoric for absolute certainty and urgency. God was not merely suggesting a positive attitude; He was commanding it. Courage was not optional; it was a matter of obedience.
The Foundation of the Command
The command to be strong and courageous was not a demand for self-generated bravery. It was grounded in God’s promise: “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The word “for” is crucial. It connects the command to the reason for obedience. Joshua could be strong because God was with him. He did not face the enemy alone. This assurance of divine presence is the bedrock of faith-filled courage.
The Nature of God’s Calling
God’s calling on our lives is not always a dramatic, audible voice. It comes in various ways, but it always requires a response of faith.
1. A Calling to Purpose
God’s calling is an invitation to participate in His redemptive work. Joshua’s calling was to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Our calling may be to raise godly children, to serve in our local church, to be a witness in our workplace, or to start a ministry that meets a specific need. Regardless of the form, it is a divine assignment that gives our lives meaning and purpose.
2. A Calling Beyond Our Ability
God’s calling consistently exceeds our natural capacity. Moses was slow of speech; Gideon was the least in his family; Paul was a former persecutor of the church. God chooses the weak and the inadequate so that His power may be displayed (2 Corinthians 12:9). Joshua’s calling was beyond his ability, which forced him to rely on God’s strength.
3. A Calling That Requires Courage
Following God’s calling will inevitably involve risk. It may require us to step out of our comfort zone, to face opposition, or to sacrifice our security. As one source notes, “Any time you get serious about using your life the way God wants you to use it, some people will oppose you”. This is why courage is essential. Without courage, we will shrink back from the very calling God has placed on our lives.
Obstacles to Courage: Fear and Discouragement
God’s command to “not be afraid or discouraged” reveals the primary obstacles we face when pursuing His calling.
1. The Obstacle of Fear
Fear is a powerful force that can paralyze us and prevent us from stepping into God’s purposes. Joshua faced fear of the enemy, fear of failure, and fear of the unknown. We face similar fears: fear of rejection, fear of inadequacy, fear of financial ruin, and fear of the future.
The Source of Fear
Fear often arises from focusing on circumstances rather than on God’s promises. When Joshua looked at the fortified cities and the powerful armies, fear was a natural response. But God redirected his gaze: “Do not be afraid, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”. Fear is a choice we can reject when we anchor ourselves in God’s character.
2. The Obstacle of Discouragement
Discouragement is the erosion of courage. It saps momentum after battles, setbacks, or long waits. Joshua faced not only external enemies but also the internal weight of leading a grumbling, rebellious people. Discouragement can come from unmet expectations, comparison with others, or the weariness of prolonged struggle.
God’s Antidote to Discouragement
God forbids discouragement because His presence guarantees ultimate victory, even when progress seems slow. Choosing hope keeps faith active and prevents spiritual drift. When we are discouraged, we must remind ourselves that God is with us and that He will complete the work He has begun (Philippians 1:6).
3. The Obstacle of Naysayers
One of the most significant obstacles to following God’s calling is the negative advice of others. When Joshua and Caleb brought a positive report about the Promised Land, the people threatened to stone them (Numbers 14:10). Similarly, Pastor Rick Warren shares how a respected friend called his vision to start Saddleback Church “the dumbest idea I ever heard”.
Rejecting Negative Advice
If you want to follow God’s calling, you must be willing to reject negative advice—no matter who it comes from. People often project their fears onto others. They prefer the comfort of captivity to the risk of freedom. As one source warns, “When faced with difficult circumstances, the Israelites decided they preferred captivity in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land”. We must be discerning about whose counsel we receive and ensure it aligns with God’s Word and His leading.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Courage
Courage is not a personality trait we are born with; it is a spiritual discipline we can cultivate. Here are practical steps to develop the courage to follow God’s calling.
1. Anchor Your Courage in God’s Presence
The ultimate foundation for courage is the assurance of God’s presence. When God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), He is providing an anchor for our souls in the midst of the storm.
The Power of His Presence
God’s presence means His power with us. Joshua did not need to operate in his own strength because God’s might was with him. Similarly, we can face any challenge with confidence because the Creator of the universe is on our side. As one source explains, “Confidence in His unbroken presence transforms daunting assignments into opportunities to display trustful obedience”.
Practical Reminders
When you feel afraid, remind yourself of God’s promise: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Write this verse on a card and place it where you will see it regularly.
2. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness
Memory is a powerful weapon against fear. When we feel overwhelmed, we must recall how God has been faithful in the past. Joshua had witnessed God’s deliverance in Egypt and His provision in the wilderness. He had seen the Red Sea part and manna fall from heaven. These memories were the foundation of his courage for the future.
The Power of Testimony
Sharing testimonies with others is a powerful way to build courage. When we recount how God has delivered us, provided for us, or guided us, we build our own faith and the faith of others. We remind ourselves that the God who was faithful yesterday will be faithful today and tomorrow.
3. Take the First Step in Obedience
Courage is strengthened by action. It is in the act of stepping out in obedience, even when we are afraid, that our faith grows. Joshua had to take the first step toward the Jordan River before God parted it. He did not wait for the fear to subside; he moved forward in faith.
One Step at a Time
Faith does not require us to see the entire path; it requires us to take the next step. As one source notes, “God won’t light your second step until you have taken the first one.” When we act in faith, we are exercising the “courage muscle,” and we prove to ourselves that God is with us.
4. Surround Yourself with Courageous Supporters
We are not meant to walk the path of obedience alone. Joshua had the support of the priests, the officers, and the people of Israel. Similarly, we need the encouragement, prayer, and accountability of other believers. As one source notes, “A bold move of faith won’t just draw skeptics, it will also draw an army of God’s people around you”.
Find Your Community
Seek out like-minded believers who will support you in your calling. Join a small group, find a mentor, or partner with a prayer partner. These relationships will strengthen you and help you to persevere when the going gets tough.
5. Speak Faith-Filled Words
Our words have power. When we speak words of doubt and fear, we reinforce those feelings. But when we declare God’s promises, we build our faith. Joshua was instructed to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night (Joshua 1:8). This practice filled his mind with truth and gave him the courage to act.
Declare God’s Truth
Speak out loud: “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Declare: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). These words are not just positive affirmations; they are declarations of truth that release God’s power in our lives.
Biblical Examples of Courageous Followers
The Bible is filled with individuals who demonstrated extraordinary courage in following God’s calling. Their lives serve as powerful examples for us.
Joshua: The Unwavering Leader
Joshua is the primary example of courage in the face of an impossible task. He led Israel across the Jordan, conquered Jericho, and secured the Promised Land. His courage was not based on his own strength but on his trust in God’s promises. He did not stand before the Lord with excuses; he simply moved forward in faith.
Moses: The Reluctant Leader
Moses initially resisted God’s call, citing his inadequacy (Exodus 3:11). Yet, when he finally stepped out in faith, he became one of the greatest leaders in history. His courage grew as he experienced God’s presence and power.
David: The Giant Slayer
David faced Goliath with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones. His courage was rooted not in his own ability but in his faith in the living God. He declared, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). David’s example reminds us that our courage is not dependent on our resources but on the power of the One who fights for us.
The Disciples: Bold for the Gospel
The disciples were ordinary men who became extraordinary witnesses. After the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, they preached boldly despite persecution and threats (Acts 4:13). Their courage was the result of their encounter with the risen Christ.
The Promise: “I Am with You Wherever You Go”
The closing words of Joshua 1:9 are the crescendo of the promise: “for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). This is the ultimate reason for courage and the ultimate antidote to fear.
God is with You
In the face of the unknown, God’s presence is our anchor. When we step out in faith, He goes before us. He meets us in the challenge. He provides the strength we need. The same God who was with Moses and Joshua is with us today. This promise is not just for ancient Israel; it is for every child of God. Through Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that the Holy Spirit dwells within us (John 14:16-17). We never face any challenge alone.
The Immanuel Principle
The promise of God’s presence finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whose name is Immanuel—”God with us” (Matthew 1:23). In Jesus, God not only walks with us; He lives in us. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us (Romans 8:11). This is the unshakeable foundation of our courage.
The Ultimate Victory
Because God is with us, we can have confidence in the ultimate outcome. We may face setbacks, but they are not final. We may endure pain, but it is not without purpose. As Paul triumphantly declares: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Fear and discouragement are temporary conditions in a life that is headed for eternal victory.
Stepping into Your Calling
The call to have the courage to follow God’s calling is one of the most important and challenging commands in Scripture. It is a call to trust God’s presence and power over our fear and inadequacy. It is a call to step out of our comfort zones and into His purposes. It is a call to embrace the risk of obedience in order to experience the reward of His blessing.
Joshua’s example reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God in the midst of it. We can be strong and courageous because God is with us. We can overcome discouragement because His presence guarantees ultimate victory. We can reject negative advice because we are anchored in His truth.
So, today, consider the calling God has placed on your life. What step of obedience is He asking you to take? What wall is He asking you to face? What fear is He asking you to overcome? The command is clear: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Take that step. Face that wall. Speak that truth. For the God who called you is with you, and He will not fail you. The promise is sure: “He who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion” (Philippians 1:6).
Chiamaka Nweke