If ever there was a biblical “formula for success,” one can be found in the verses of Joshua 1:5b–9, which is summarized in verse 18 as “only be strong, vigorous and of good courage” (Amplified Version).
These and many other verses teach us much about courage.
Joshua was stepping into some mighty big shoes. He had ministered alongside Moses during the whole messy process of getting the people of God out of Egyptian slavery and to the point of entry into God’s promised destiny. Moses had died, and the mantle of leadership now draped tentatively across Joshua’s shoulders. He’d served, watched, prayed, stayed, and obeyed. A new season of leadership beckoned, and the above verses are those of his commissioning, appointment and release.
Effectively, God was saying, “Joshua, stand in the ability to withstand! Be able to resist and defeat the enemy. Do not be affected by circumstances or hardship. Be strenuously energetic in motivation, both mentally and physically, and I will give you success.”
What Defines Courage?
Courage is described as the quality of authenticity and resilience. There is the well-known admonition to “have the courage of your (own) convictions.” Like David trying to go to war in another man’s armor and knowing it just wouldn’t work, so Joshua could not borrow success from Moses or anyone else. It was to come from his own experience of God’s faithfulness and his own God-values.
Courage is a character trait. It implies a need for bravery, particularly in fearful circumstances. It marks someone as able to take a positive stance in a negative situation. It unveils a willing vulnerability.
Courage is not the absence of fear; it is having focus on and belief in a favorable outcome, irrespective of danger, adversity, disapproval, or rejection.
Courage is the confidence to continue doing, being, and acting in accordance with one’s beliefs, whether or not others agree. It is respecting one’s own values (“the courage of your own convictions”) and not allowing anyone else to devalue or disrespect them.
It implies boldness in the face of change. It requires the setting of goals and vision. It may call on one’s hidden potential to lead, train, equip, and encourage others to step out with strength – to go beyond where they currently are in life experience or circumstance.
Courage is character; not perfection, but a process – a journey of learning, growth, and endurance, the outcome of which brings a contentment that defies logic or reason.
If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed. (Henry Hoover)
Characters of Courage
Winston Churchill did not get everything right, but he did display courageous leadership qualities when it mattered and imparted hope and resilience to military troops in a time of war. He pushed through uncomfortable scenarios. He made difficult decisions. He did not back down. His contribution in history resonates still.
King David remembered past difficulties overcome and the faithfulness of God in them, drawing on those experiences to run forward in fearless faith and become a giant slayer. Our consistent covenant relationships with God and daily set-apart times with Him put a “Word sword” in our hands when courage is required. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong, courageous and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you” (Amplified Version). Fear not!
Looking away from all that will distract, to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith (giving the first incentive to our belief) and is also its Finisher (bringing it to maturity and perfection). He, for the joy (of obtaining the prize) that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself (reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials), so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds. (Hebrews 12:2–3, Amplified Version).
That’s courage!
* * *
Barbara is a lover of words and a lover of God. She has published a coffee-table devotional “I give you My Word” (available in print/e-book via Amazon) and has had several poems included in various anthologies. She has also written prophetic verses for personal greetings cards and is currently working on the next book of poetry.