In my work with leaders, as a coach and trainer, I am often reminded that courage is one of the most underrated characteristics of leadership.

It takes courage to make tough decisions.

It takes courage to have a difficult conversation.

It takes courage to model the way for others to follow.

It takes courage to be a leader.

It also takes courage to be a follower of Christ.

It takes courage to obey the teachings of Jesus when others don’t.

It takes courage to stay loyal to Christ when times are hard.

It takes courage to trust Jesus’ promises of the future in the present.

Faithfulness requires courage.

Fortunately, God gives us the resources we need to be strong and courageous.

We see this in Joshua 1, as Joshua takes over for Moses in leading the Israelites across the Jordan River into the promised land. God tells Joshua to be courageous, and that narrative highlights the following resources that make it possible for us to demonstrate courage…

The Presence of God

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them” (Joshua 1:5-6).

The Word of God

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:7-8).

The Community of God

“Then they answered Joshua, ‘Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses…Only be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:16-18).

As we know, Joshua was strong and courageous, and it was because he trusted in the presence of God, obeyed the word of God, and surrounded himself with the community of God.

Those same resources are available to us when we need courage – and we do need courage because each of us has our own Jordan River to cross.

Your Jordan River might be a cancer diagnosis, or a fractured relationship, or financial difficulties.

Your Jordan River might be an addiction, an anxiety, or a bitter spirit.

Your Jordan River might be school or your job.

But your Jordan River is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your faith in God and to grow your trust in God, knowing that if you will be faithful to God in the face of your fear, there is a land of blessing beyond the Jordan.

And God has given you the resources to do it.

So, be strong and courageous!