Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 NIV)

A first-grade teacher once asked her students what they wanted to be when they grew up. One by one, the children shared their dreams. “I want to be a nurse like my mother,” said one. “I want to be a banker like my father,” said another. “I want to be a teacher like you, Miss Smith,” said a third.

Finally, the shyest little boy in the class spoke. With a trembling voice, he said, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a lion tamer in the circus. I’ll face those wild animals with my whip and my chair, make them leap through hoops of fire, and have them obey all my commands!”

His classmates gasped in disbelief.  Sensing their doubt, he quickly reassured them, “Well, of course, I’ll have my mother with me.”

That little boy’s hesitation is a lot like ours sometimes. We want to live boldly for God, to speak the truth and stand up for what is right, but the world seems overwhelming, and fear creeps in. We cower when we ought to take a stand, stay silent when we ought to speak up, and question whether we are brave enough to face the challenges before us.

So where do we find the courage to be bold?  Just as the boy relied on his mother to give him confidence and protection, we can rely on God.  His presence is our assurance, his power equips us, and his Spirit encourages us to rise above fear.  “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

With God by our side, even the most timid among us can face challenges with courage, make a difference, and shine as a light in a dark world.

So, today, take courage and do something for God that you’ve been hesitant to do. Remember, you are never alone. God is with you.  He strengthens you and gives you the boldness to act for his glory.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your constant presence and strength. Help me to step out in faith, even when I feel timid or afraid, and to trust that you are with me in every challenge. Give me courage to live boldly for your kingdom today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day