Finding the courage you need

Photo by Tim Mossholder

You’ve experienced at least one life circumstance that required you to find the courage to stand up, face obstacles and even lean in. You didn’t want to do it. It was probably one of the scariest things you’ve ever done. The stakes were high—maybe even life or death. It needed doing… and you did it. 

Where does such courage come from? 

I recently taught from Joshua where he’s reminded by Yahweh to be strong and courageous— 3 times. Joshua 1:6-9 (NLT)

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
 

3 Truths found in Joshua’s Story

1. Gods calling

God called Joshua and is calling His people to lead according to His Promises. These promises seem outside the present moment. They build hope and faith! Joshua’s story reminds us that God keeps promises. You can confidently join in what God is already at work doing. 

Do you know some of God’s promises? What’s one of your favorite promises?

→ PROMISES  ←

Friends, it takes courage to believe.
The land of God’s promises awaits you and I.

2. God's guidance

Do you live according to His will and His ways? Bend your attention to focus on what God has said and revealed. God’s wisdom might run counter to your own agenda, preferences, and ways of thinking but embracing it makes you feel more fully yourself. God tells Joshua (and us) to be VERY strong and courageous (v.7-8). Only then will there be success. With God’s help you can step into the purpose for which you were created. In God’s will you can accomplish more than you could on your own.

3. God Presence 

God said He will never leave us nor forsake us. God tells Joshua that He's even gone before him. If God is for us it doesn’t matter what we’re up against. “Don’t be afraid or discouraged/dismayed.” I take this to mean that God’s Promises, His Power and His Presence are more trustworthy and certain than anything I might think, feel or face! And I think stuff. 

Truths as tools

The truth that God is calling, guiding, and present with you is meant to be put into action. They are tools that help you and I to live courageously.  

For those who struggle with substance use, abuse and addictions these truths confront an ever-present enemy one day—one moment—at a time. For those who love them, these truths are tools that help us love unconditionally while making hard decisions in pursuit of hope and healing. 

We see Jesus operate in these truths as tools in his ministry. Jesus entered in as evidence of God’s promises. Guided by his Father’s will, Jesus faced our greatest enemy (sin and death). Jesus spoke with his Father throughout it all. In prayer he asked for mercy, grace and walked in courage the path before him. God has made promises, Jesus obeyed, and God the Father proved His power and presence by raising Jesus from the grave.

Promises received, believed and fulfilled. 

It’s a journey

Interestingly, Joshua enters the promised land and the giants are still there. He faces them and leads God’s people for a time—but it gets messy.

Life gets messy, even for the best of us. These truths—these tools of faith—are meant to be applied in community. There is no reason to struggle alone.

Let’s trust Jesus together!

For those longing to find hope  in the struggles of addiction please know this; 
 

God sees, knows, cares, is able and at work.

Press in, seek Him.
May you find Him now.
 

If you want help, we are here. Reach out: Freedom@Harborrockrecovery.org 

Looking forward, 

Dan

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” 

—Nelson Mandela