Courage

"Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."    --Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous! Be strong and courageous! Be strong and courageous! Recently, Pastor Bill Hybels gave this challenge to us from Joshua 1:9 at the opening session of the Global Leadership Summit simulcast at our church. I then heard it repeated at least a half dozen times by the speakers that followed. If we are going to be leaders, then we must step up to the plate and take our swing. Just like facing a pitcher throwing 90-mile per hour fastballs, leading takes courage and strength.

Many of us seldom need to be courageous because we usually play it safe and remain inside the walls of our safe and routine lives. This past week, my wife and I stepped out of our comfort zones and got a little nervous. Over the past few years, I have been invited to travel to Florida in the winter and to Chicago at summer's end to meet with Bill Hybels, his Willow Creek team, and 120 of the most dynamic pastors in the United States. This August, I said, "We're in."

Darlene went along but was nervous for a whole different set of reasons. One of the fun activities planned was a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Darlene dislikes boats and is petrified of water. On top of that, her ankle is not completely healed, and the trip to Navy Pier required a great deal of walking. This week, I heard one famous pastor say, "If there is no fear, there is no need for courage." Maybe we weren't facing real life or death situations, but our fears were keeping us from some pretty great experiences.

As Joshua took over the leadership reins from Moses, he needed all the strength and courage he could muster. Not only was Joshua trying to fill the shoes of one of the greatest leaders in history, but leading over a million Israelites across the Jordon River and conquering the promised land was a bigger task than Joshua could do in human strength. The verse continues, "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

To have no fear in leading is not faith but fool-heartiness. To believe God is with you wherever you go and whatever you do is also foolish. God does not promise strength and courage for us to walk in sin and rebellion. The promise to Joshua stood true because Joshua was walking in obedience to God's will. Jesus gave the same promise to the Disciples and us as He said, "All authority has been given to Me... Go therefore and make disciples...I am with you always" (Matt. 28:16-20).

The early church went into the world in obedience to Jesus' command. God's power went with them, confirmed their testimony with signs and miracles, and saved all who believed. Christians today have the same promise that Joshua and the early church had. If we walk and act in obedience to the Lord's command, His power and presence are with us wherever we go. No challenge is too big and no task too hard.

Have you been holding back in an area of your life because of fear? Are you facing challenges that are bigger than you? Seek to determine God's will for your life and listen for the Lord's voice in your situation. Move forward in the direction God shows you. Depend upon His strength and presence. "Be strong and courageous!"