Joshua had a big job to do. Moses was gone. Now Joshua would lead all the people into a new land. That is a lot to carry. So God spoke to him.
God said, "Be strong and courageous." Then God gave the reason. Not "because you are brave." Not "because you are big." God said, "for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Being brave does not mean you stop feeling nervous. It means you go anyway, because you are not going alone. God's command came with a promise tied to it. Joshua did not have to dig courage out of himself. The courage came from who was standing beside him.
Bethany's father did not jump for her. He was already in the water, waiting, and that made the jump possible.
God is with you when you are nervous. Today, pick one small brave thing. Before you do it, say quietly, "God is with me." Then do it.
🦁Being Brave
God Is With You When You Jump
Being brave means going anyway, because you are not alone.
October 24, 20262 min readNIV
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 (NIV)
God commands courage
Today's Story
✍️Fictitious Story
Bethany stood at the edge of the pool. Her toes curled over the blue tiles. The water looked deep and cold.
Her mother, Faith, bent down and retied Bethany's ribbon. "There," she said. "That helps." Both of them knew it did not help much.
Her father, Carlos, stood in the water with his arms open. "I'm right here," he said.
Little Mateo splashed and laughed beside him.
Bethany held her breath. She whispered, "God is with me." Then she counted. "One, two, three."
She jumped. The water closed over her shoulders. She came up laughing, and her father's hand was already there.
"You did it," Carlos said.
Bethany nodded. Her ribbon hung wet and crooked over one ear. She did not fix it.
Reflection
Think About It
• What is one small thing you feel nervous about today? • What could you say to God right before you try it?
Prayer
God, I get nervous sometimes. I don't always want to be brave. But you said you are with me wherever I go. So I will try. Help me do one small brave thing today. Thank you for being right here with me. Amen.
Live It Out
Try one small brave thing today. Say "God is with me" first, then do it.