Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I remember when I was a young person in the youth group, we had a gathering at a friends house. This was around the time when the cinnamon challenge was really popular. The cinnamon challenge was basically a dare to eat a spoonful of just cinnamon. It was absolutely disgusting, painful to watch and quite dangerous. When you’re a teenage though, nothing scares you and we just wanted to have a good laugh.

The first young guy took a spoonful and instantly spit it out in one big puff of cinnamon. The next guy put the spoon in his mouth and then proceeded to lose his stomach contents all over the driveway. I was too afraid to do the challenge myself and I’m thankful for that fear to this day! 

There is fear that is healthy, and it is to protect you from danger. Then there is fear that the enemy uses to keep you from God and His promises. Fear that creeps up on you and keeps you enslaved to its tactics. 

I struggle with being brave. My first instinct is to cower until the threat has passed and then crawl out to see the damage that has been done. But God has commanded us in this scripture to be strong and courageous. How can those of who are naturally timid overcome this fear? We must come to the understanding that we can face whatever life throws our way, because He is always with us! We don’t have to be discouraged, for He is always walking with us, no matter the season or circumstance. 

Prayer: Jesus, I’m thankful that I can find my strength in You, and be brave enough to face all of life’s uncertainties. You make me strong and I know that You are always fighting for me. 

1 Comment

  1. Monette L. Allen

    I greatly appreciate your words. I was always to let everyone go ahead of me. Any threats would be behind the rocks. I felt God reminding me to be bold and courageous because He is with me.

    Thanks for these words