Do you ever sense that God’s purpose for your life is too big for you – perhaps a little overwhelming?  If you do that’s good news, it probably means that it’s God’s purpose and not your own plan.  As you walk by faith you are going to experience situations that will challenge you to leave your comfort zone.  A characteristic of many of God’s chosen servants is that they needed to exercise courage in realizing their God-given purpose.  Bill Hull writes, “A total of 366 times we are told not to fear” (Choose the Life, p. 99).

Joshua knew firsthand the challenges of realizing his God-given purpose as he assumed the leadership mantle from Moses to lead the Israelites into the promised land.  God repeatedly encouraged Joshua (1:6,7,9) to exercise courage,

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 1:9)

God’s exhortation to Joshua is to be strong and courageous – could it be God is saying the same words to you?  Along with the challenge comes the consolation that God is with him wherever he goes.  You can likewise count on that same promise as Jesus encouraged His disciples,

teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  (Matthew 28:20)

It’s normal to encounter fear when you face a threatening situation, if you’re not experiencing fear then you may not truly  understand the situation.  It’s been said that courage is not the absence of fear, but the conquest of fear.  Courage is demonstrated when  ordinary people rise to meet great challenges.  Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”

Don’t be afraid to take big steps – you can’t cross a chasm in two steps.  Helen Keller, a women who exemplified remarkable courage, said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” – here’s an example of Exercising Courage.  If you want to discover new lands you need the courage to lose the sight of the shore.  Step out in faith – He is with you!

Dr. Rick Higgins

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University