Be Strong and Courageous

“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 (ESV)

Courage is the ability to face fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or challenges with resolve and strength. It is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. Courage involves inner strength and faith, choosing to stand up with your head raised high and move forward despite fear, trusting in God’s promises and that He is our true source of strength. In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he steps into a daunting role as the leader of the Israelites. His mission was filled with uncertainty, challenges, and potential dangers. He didn't have all the answers for the challenges before him, he was, however, commanded to go forward anyway, acting in faith. But God’s command wasn’t empty—it came with the assurance of His divine presence and that He would go a head of him.

As believers, we are called to face challenges in our own lives with the same strength and courage. Whether you’re stepping into a new opportunity, enduring a difficult season, or facing an uncertain future, this verse reminds you that you don’t walk alone. God’s presence equips you with all that you need to fulfill your calling. It’s natural to feel fear or discouragement, but these emotions don’t have to control us. The key to overcoming them lies in trusting that God is with us “wherever we go.” His presence provides the strength to persevere, the courage to act, and the peace to rest in His care.

God’s call to you today is to identify your fears–take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where fear or discouragement may be holding you back. Ask God to replace your fear, particularly fear of what the future holds, with His peace and help you to always be conscious of His constant presence in your life. Trusting in God does not mean you won’t feel fear; it means taking action in spite of it, facing your fears with grace and moving forward in faith.

In summary, God’s message to the house as we navigate through 2025:

Whatever you are facing, or you will face tomorrow, take heart in knowing that the God who commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous is the same God who promised to walk with you. Let the knowledge of His presence in your life fill you with confidence, peace and purpose. I pray that 2025 will be a walkover for you in the name of Jesus!

Stay blessed,

Pastor Ranti Orioke