I took a deep breath, looked straight ahead, and walked over to the table of people.
“Hi there!” I said as I approached.
I was actually greeted by friendly smiles and replies. Instead of freaking out inside, I felt calmer. Honestly, it’s naturally very difficult for me to reach out to others; so I typically talk to my family members, friends, and other people whom I’m comfortable with. But God gave me enough strength and courage to be friendly that day—and He gives us that strength and courage every day.
Breaking Free from Comfort
Every single day, we’re faced with opportunities to be courageous or to fearfully back down. Having courage is a choice (often a daily or even hourly choice), but unfortunately, it’s a choice that we usually try to avoid making. We’d rather avoid potential discomfort than step out in faith. Honestly, that’s normally what I choose to do—be hesitant and fearful, rather than brave.
After his leader (Moses) died, Joshua chose to be strong and courageous. But God had to tell him three times to have courage.
“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5-9 NASB, emphasis mine)
Everyday Courage
You’ll probably never be told to lead a group of thousands, but you’ll still face situations that require courage. Though courage looks different for everyone, perhaps this is how it will look for you:
- Going to the hospital to visit your sick father, even though he was rarely around during your childhood
- Inviting the new girl at church to sit with you during the service, even though she has given you the cold shoulder in the past
- Inviting your coworker to a Bible study, even though she has never expressed interest in Christianity
- Going for a run instead of opening a box of Oreos, even though you usually cope with stress by eating
- Attending a college and career Sunday school class, even though it’s a little awkward
- Giving a monthly donation to a missionary family, even though your finances have been tight lately
- Breaking up with your boyfriend who has shown spiritual immaturity, even though he was the first guy to ever ask you out
- Talking lovingly to your friend about the sin in her life, even though she might not have a positive response
- Joining the women’s ministry team at your church, even though you don’t know exactly how it’ll fit into your schedule
Do you see how normal courage is? We treat courage like it’s an abstract concept, but it’s simple. We can always choose to have courage. We don’t have to do what we’ve always done or make the same choices that we’ve always made. We can choose to be strong and courageous because God is always with us, just like He was with Joshua.
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