Key Scriptures: Joshua 1:9, Acts 4:29

Teaching Points

Courage to Step Out in Faith

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Courage Comes from Trusting God, Not Ourselves

Courage does not mean that we never feel afraid. It means that we choose to trust God even when we are afraid. Joshua was facing a tremendous responsibility, but God did not tell him to depend upon his own strength or abilities. He reminded Joshua that God would be with him.

When we focus on ourselves, our weaknesses can make us fearful. But when we focus on God, we remember that His strength is greater than our weakness.

God Often Calls Us Beyond Our Comfort Zones

God does not always lead us into situations that are comfortable or familiar. Sometimes He asks us to step into something that stretches our faith. We may feel inadequate, uncertain, or even afraid.

Yet those uncomfortable places can become opportunities to see God work in ways we would never experience if we always stayed within our comfort zone.

Faith Grows When We Act Despite Fear

Faith is strengthened when we put our trust in God into action. It is one thing to say, “I trust God.” It is another thing to take the next step when we are afraid.

Every time we obey God despite our fears, we learn that He is trustworthy. What seemed frightening before can become a testimony of God’s faithfulness afterward.

Application

Ask yourself:

• What is God asking me to do that feels uncomfortable?
• Am I trusting my own ability, or am I trusting God’s presence and power?
• What step of obedience can I take today, even if I am still afraid?

Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is trusting God enough to obey Him in spite of our fear.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You rather than myself. Give me courage when You call me beyond what is comfortable and familiar. Help me to act in faith even when I am afraid, knowing that You are with me. Strengthen my faith as I obey You, and teach me to depend upon Your strength rather than my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discussion Questions

• What fears hinder your obedience?
• How does God’s presence produce courage?
• When have you seen God strengthen you?

Practical Application

Take one step of obedience you have been delaying.

Trusting God’s strength
Overcoming fear
Bold obedience

6 Things That Happen When You Trust God Completely

Lesson 91: Courage in Following Christ

Key Scriptures: Joshua 1:9, Acts 4:29

Teaching Points

Courage to Step Out in Faith

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Courage Comes from Trusting God, Not Ourselves

Courage does not mean that we never feel afraid. It means that we choose to trust God even when we are afraid. Joshua was facing a tremendous responsibility, but God did not tell him to depend upon his own strength or abilities. He reminded Joshua that God would be with him.

When we focus on ourselves, our weaknesses can make us fearful. But when we focus on God, we remember that His strength is greater than our weakness.

God Often Calls Us Beyond Our Comfort Zones

God does not always lead us into situations that are comfortable or familiar. Sometimes He asks us to step into something that stretches our faith. We may feel inadequate, uncertain, or even afraid.

Yet those uncomfortable places can become opportunities to see God work in ways we would never experience if we always stayed within our comfort zone.

Faith Grows When We Act Despite Fear

Faith is strengthened when we put our trust in God into action. It is one thing to say, “I trust God.” It is another thing to take the next step when we are afraid.

Every time we obey God despite our fears, we learn that He is trustworthy. What seemed frightening before can become a testimony of God’s faithfulness afterward.

Application

Ask yourself:

• What is God asking me to do that feels uncomfortable?
• Am I trusting my own ability, or am I trusting God’s presence and power?
• What step of obedience can I take today, even if I am still afraid?

Remember: Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is trusting God enough to obey Him in spite of our fear.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You rather than myself. Give me courage when You call me beyond what is comfortable and familiar. Help me to act in faith even when I am afraid, knowing that You are with me. Strengthen my faith as I obey You, and teach me to depend upon Your strength rather than my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discussion Questions

• What fears hinder your obedience?
• How does God’s presence produce courage?
• When have you seen God strengthen you?

Practical Application

Take one step of obedience you have been delaying.

Trusting God’s strength
Overcoming fear
Bold obedience

6 Things That Happen When You Trust God Completely