Someone asked me that question the other day and I think it’s one worth pursuing. Although courage seems elusive, it doesn’t have to be.
What a cute image this is! A small kitten sees itself as a powerful lion. We cannot read their minds, but if felines are anything like people, we know that before the eyes can picture the fierceness, the mind has to project the image that there is greatness inside to transform us.
And that’s where the answer begins for us as well. How do we become courageous? As always, my thoughts go to the scriptures for the answer. Most of us remember that Joshua was told to “be strong and courageous”. Let’s talk about him and see how Joshua accomplished strength and courage and what was accomplished in his life, and the lives of millions, as a result.
#1: Joshua heard and believed he was equipped.
When God spoke to Joshua about being strong and courageous, God promised that He would be with him as He had been with Moses. And God told Joshua to keep the Word forever in front of him. (Joshua 1, NKJV)
Joshua, a man unable to be born again or filled with the Spirit of God as new testament believers are, knew how to hear the voice of God. Do you wonder how? The answer is in Exodus 33:11. “And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.”
Joshua learned to hear the voice of God and remained in the presence of God after the leader, Moses, returned to camp. Moses, who heard God clearly, had taught Joshua to hear God as well.
#2: Joshua spoke and expected.
In the Book of Joshua, the historical account of all that Joshua accomplished (and he did everything God said he would) there are multiple accounts to demonstrate that Joshua spoke and expected God to respond with answers. The walls of Jericho fell when Joshua spoke and explained God’s direction for that victory to the people.
Chapter 10 talks about how Joshua wanted to finish the battle before nightfall so he boldly said to the Israelites and to God, that the sun and the moon should stand still. Even though Joshua did not have his science right, God honored his word and the sun stayed in the sky without nightfall for nearly a day. The battle was a victory.
We could summarize Joshua’s life this way: He spent time in the presence of God and got instruction. He was familiar with God’s voice and believed that God had equipped His people to accomplish what He told them to do. Once Joshua heard from God, he spoke and acted on the Words.
So how do we “be courageous”? The same way: Hear and believe God has equipped you. Speak and expect to see God’s instructions come to pass.
What will be the results?
“Courage is what you earn through the tough times and you discover they aren’t so tough after all.” -Malcolm Gladwell.
For His Glory 