“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.” – Joshua 1:9
Devotional Thought:
New horizons are exciting, but they also come with uncertainty. Each new chapter of life requires us to leave something behind—whether it’s comfort, familiarity, or even old ways of thinking. That transition space, between what was and what is to come, often feels like standing at the edge of the Jordan River like Israel. Behind them was the wilderness; ahead were fortified cities and battles they had never fought before. It was no longer manna falling from heaven—they now had to till the ground. Yet God’s word to Joshua was clear: “Be strong and courageous.”
Courage is not a personality trait—it’s a spiritual decision. It is not the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward in obedience even when fear lingers. Ruth displayed this when she chose to leave Moab, her comfort zone, for Bethlehem, a land of the unknown. The disciples showed it when they dropped their nets, their source of livelihood, to follow Jesus without knowing the full cost or destination. Each of these steps opened the door to God’s “new thing.”
In every new horizon, fear will try to whisper: “What if you fail? What if you’re not enough? What if God doesn’t show up?” But courage silences those whispers with the louder voice of faith: “If God is for me, who can be against me?” Courage grows stronger not while standing still, but in the very act of moving forward. Like a muscle, it builds with use.
Sometimes courage looks like launching the new business God placed on your heart, even when resources are limited. Sometimes it looks like forgiving someone when your flesh wants to hold a grudge. Other times, it’s simply taking the next small step of faith, even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Each act of courage becomes a testimony that strengthens you and those watching your journey.
Write down one area where fear has been holding you back. Surrender it in prayer, then take one courageous step toward it this week—big or small. Remember, courage is contagious: when you step forward, others find strength to do the same.
Prayer:
Lord, fill me with divine courage to step boldly into every new season You have prepared. Help me to trust Your presence more than I fear the unknown. Let my obedience today open the door to testimonies tomorrow. Amen.
Declaration:
I refuse to be paralyzed by fear. I move forward in faith, knowing God is with me, and my courage will open the way for new horizons.
