Courage Comes from God’s Word
When the path ahead feels uncertain, God’s word can help you know what to do next.
Joshua had every reason to feel overwhelmed.
Moses was gone. The children of Israel were finally ready to enter the promised land. Ahead of them were rivers to cross, walls to face, enemies to confront, and responsibilities that probably felt bigger than Joshua could handle.
But the Lord did not tell Joshua, “You are strong enough on your own.”
He told him:
“Be strong and of a good courage… for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Then the Lord gave Joshua one of the keys to that courage:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.”
Joshua needed more than confidence. He needed God’s word. He needed to know the Lord’s voice. He needed direction that was stronger than fear and steadier than his own feelings.
The same is true for you.
There will be times when you face something that feels too big for you. A hard decision. A temptation. Anxiety. A friendship problem. A future you cannot see clearly. A moment when you wonder if you are enough.
God may not always show you the whole path at once, but He will help you take the next faithful step. Often, that help comes through His word.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught:
“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”
Scripture study is not just a habit. It is a way to stay close to the Lord.
When you open God’s word, you are not just reading ancient stories. You are making room for the Lord to guide you, strengthen you, correct you, comfort you, and remind you that you are not alone.
Joshua could move forward because the Lord was with him.
So can you.
Reflection
What is one situation in your life where you need more courage, direction, or peace?
How could spending more time in God’s word help you face it?
Today’s Challenge
Choose one verse from Joshua 1:5–9 and read it every day this week. Write it down, save it on your phone, or place it somewhere you will see it often.
Closing Thought
Courage does not mean you can see the whole path. Sometimes courage means holding tightly to God’s word and trusting Him enough to take the next step.
Want the full weekly lesson and teaching guide for this Come Follow Me study?
Visit: https://www.joshdowns.com/come-follow-me-for-teens
