How to Live With Courage in These Days

To say that uncertainty is the one mark of our time is an understatement! It is safe to say that in our lifetimes there has never been so much global uncertainty. And we need courage.

Especially in times like these, we must find the courage to move ahead. When I read Joshua 1, I see a man who is confronted with an enormous challenge: lead a nation of people into an uncertain future in an unknown place with scarce resources.

Read the Story

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant,“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good 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 good success. 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 1:1–9 (ESV)

5 Steps for Courage

This passage gives us five distinct steps for us to navigate our present uncertainty or any other uncertainty with great courage.

One – Move ahead at God’s direction

In verse 2, God tells Joshua that he is to cross the Jordan River to possess the land that was promised to them. This clear direction becomes the foundation for all that is to follow. And it is true for us as well. When we are obedient to God’s clear direction, we can know that we are following the best path possible. We can move with confidence and courage, and brush off uncertainty.

Two – Trust God’s promises

God recites his promises to Joshua. They include the land they will possess, the permanence of his standing and the faithfulness of God’s presence.

Can you imagine how this encouraged Joshua? What does that mean for you? When we follow God’s leadership, God’s promises are activated for us! Wherever God has led you he will keep you, he will empower you and he will be with you. You can be absolutely sure of that. Trust God’s promises.

Three – Decide on your stance

God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous in verse 6. Joshua had a choice. You have a choice. When you follow God’s direction, will you chose to do it weakly and timidly or with strength and courage? We discover God’s incredible power when we decide that we will be bold, strong and courageous in following him.

Four – Define your standard

How was Joshua to live? According to the Word of God. When we have a perfect standard by which to live, we are foolish to ignore it. God has given us everything we need for spiritual life and health and success in this world. We can find guidance in God’s Word for every situation in our lives. When we learn to trust God and take him at his word, we have moved a long way down the road to success.

Five – Embrace God’s Commands

God gives us direction for our lives and reliable counsel for how we are to live our lives. He always knows best and understands our times, our lives and our circumstances better than we ever will. He knows what we should do, when and we should do it and, when we are obedient, empowers us to do it well.

Now, Go!

God’s leadership, direction and encouragement for Joshua is for us as well. During these days of tremendous uncertainty, I want to encourage you to be strong and courageous. Our God will see us through.