Daily devotional · October 21
Be Strong, Not Alone
“Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua was stepping into leadership after Moses, facing an unfinished mission and an unknown road. God's word to him is repeated: be strong and courageous. The reason given is not Joshua's talent but God's presence, wherever he goes. Courage in Scripture is rarely the absence of fear; it is moving forward because someone greater is with you. The passage also ties courage to steady attention to God's word, day and night. Bold action grows from quiet roots. Today, think of a task or conversation that intimidates you. Before you face it, spend a few minutes in a short passage of Scripture and pray, asking for God's presence to go ahead of you. Then act, imperfectly if necessary. Courage builds by practice, one honest step after another, never by waiting to feel ready.
Prayer
God, go with me today. Give me courage that comes from knowing You are near. Amen.