Monday Read: Courage Isn't Fearlessness

Joshua stood at the edge of the Jordan River, tasked with leading Israel into a land filled with fortified cities and warrior nations. God didn't tell him, "Don't be afraid" once - he said it three times in the first nine verses of Joshua 1. Why the repetition? Because Joshua was terrified, and God knew it. Real courage isn't the absence of fear; it's obedience despite fear, faithfulness when you're terrified.

David faced Goliath not because he felt brave, but because he trusted God's track record. Esther approached the king's throne unauthorized, saying "If I perish, I perish" - hardly words of confident fearlessness. Gideon needed multiple signs before he'd act on God's call because he was hiding in a winepress, afraid of enemy raids. These biblical heroes weren't fearless; they were faithful despite their fear.

Modern Christianity often equates strong faith with strong feelings, assuming that doubt and fear indicate spiritual weakness. But Scripture shows us the opposite - the most faithful servants were often the most honest about their fears. Jeremiah complained about his calling. Moses argued with God at the burning bush. Elijah ran from Jezebel and prayed to die. Their honesty about fear didn't disqualify them; their obedience despite fear defined them.

Jesus himself experienced fear in Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood as he contemplated the cross ahead. He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me" (Luke 22:42). This wasn't weakness - it was honest humanity confronting real horror. Yet he continued: "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." Courage submitted to his Father's plan despite every natural instinct screaming to escape.

What are you afraid of today? What obedience is fear preventing? God's call to courage isn't a command to feel brave; it's an invitation to act faithfully while feeling afraid. He doesn't promise to remove the things that scare us - he promises to be with us as we face them. Your trembling hands can still do brave things when they're held by his steady ones.