Courage is the fruit of faith in God’s presence

Even when fear threatens to paralyze you, faith in God’s presence allows you to move forward with boldness. Step into each day with the assurance that He is by your side, guiding and protecting you.

Scripture

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

The Moment Fear Creeps In

You know the feeling. That gut-deep unease before a big presentation. The racing thoughts before signing a make-or-break deal. The quiet anxiety that follows a downturn in revenue, a failed campaign, or the resignation of a key team member. It’s not always dramatic—sometimes it’s subtle. A whisper of doubt that says, What if this fails? What if I’m not good enough?

I remember a season when I had to step into unfamiliar territory—expanding our business into a new market, far from the comfort of what I knew. Everything about it felt risky. I prayed for clarity, for signs, for the fear to go away. But the fear didn’t magically disappear. What changed was something deeper: my awareness of God’s presence.

We face fear in many forms: fear of failure, rejection, loss, or simply the fear of not being enough. But Scripture reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the fruit that grows when we root ourselves in God’s presence.

Courage Is Cultivated, Not Forced

When God commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, He didn’t just hand him a leadership manual or a list of strategies. He gave him a promise: “I will be with you wherever you go.”

This wasn’t a pep talk—it was a spiritual anchor. Joshua had every reason to be afraid. He was stepping into a leadership role after Moses, tasked with leading a nation into hostile territory. The future was uncertain, and the enemies were intimidating. But God’s response wasn’t a command to be fearless; it was an invitation to trust His presence.

God’s presence is what transforms shaky knees into steady steps. It reminds us that we don’t carry the burden of leadership alone. We don’t navigate growth, challenges, or transitions on our own wisdom. When you know God is with you, you can move forward—even if your hands are trembling.

The world tells us to build courage by looking inward—“dig deep,” “believe in yourself,” “push harder.” But faith points us upward. Courage, in God’s economy, is not self-manufactured. It’s God-infused. It grows when we lean on Him, when we remember who walks beside us.

Key Insights

• Courage flows from God’s nearness – You don’t have to be fearless to be faithful. Being aware of God's presence is what empowers boldness.

• Leadership begins with trust, not tactics – Joshua wasn’t asked to have all the answers—he was called to trust the One who did.

• Faith silences fear’s narrative – Fear says, “You can’t do this.” Faith replies, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

• God’s promises are your power source – His assurance—“I am with you”—is not just poetic. It’s practical, powerful, and deeply personal.

You Don’t Have to Pretend to Be Brave

If you’re facing a tough call today—an uncertain deal, a tough hire, a financial risk—you don’t have to pretend to have it all figured out. God’s not waiting for you to act like you’re brave. He’s waiting for you to draw near to Him and receive the courage He freely gives.

Let His presence calm your heart. Let it reframe the way you lead, the way you decide, the way you show up today. You were never meant to navigate this path alone. He is with you—in the boardroom, in the coffee shop meeting, in your quiet moments of doubt.

So take the step. Make the call. Try again. And when fear whispers its doubts, let your soul respond: God is with me. I will not be afraid.

Prayer

Lord, You see the things I don’t say out loud—the moments when fear sits heavy on my chest and I wonder if I’m capable. Thank You for reminding me that courage doesn’t come from my own strength, but from knowing that You are with me. Help me to move forward in faith, even when I don’t feel brave. Be my strength, my clarity, and my confidence today. Remind me that I am not alone in this journey. Amen.