His Presence and Word Makes Us Strong and Courageous: Day 5
Intention
To find strength to overcome fear and become courageous from God’s presence and his word.
Scripture
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
“Have I not commanded you? 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 1:8–9
Reflection
These words remind us that strength and courage do not come from within ourselves but from God’s abiding presence and his word.
For the Church to walk in its inheritance today, we too must hear this call: Be strong. Be courageous. Reject fear.
Strength is found in leaning on God when our own resources run dry. It is strength of faith that holds fast to his promises, strength of conviction that keeps us anchored to his truth, and strength of unity that binds us together as his people.
Courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is the willingness to move forward in love and obedience despite it. The human heart naturally longs to protect itself, yet Christ calls us to a higher way: to lay down self-interest, to serve others, and to love even when it costs something. Courage steps out when the path is unclear, trusting the Spirit’s gentle leading.
Fear, however, lingers at the door of our hearts. It whispers the what ifs: What if I fail? What if I’m misunderstood? What if it costs too much? Fear keeps us tied to yesterday and hesitant about tomorrow. Fear would have prevented Joshua and the Israelites from entering their inheritance. It will work the same negative result in us. We will fail to embrace the opportunities before us and miss out on the good works that God has prepared for us to do.
But God gently reminds us that he is with us. Isaiah 41:10 records, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
His perfect love casts out fear, and his presence steadies our hearts.
Video
Prayer
Lord, make your Church strong – strong in faith, strong in conviction, and strong in unity. Give us courage to set aside self-protection and to put the needs of others above our own
Teach us to love boldly and to obey your Spirit even when fear presses in. Free us from the what ifs that hold us back, and remind us daily that you are with us. May we walk forward in strength, courage, and freedom, trusting you in all things.
Amen.
Author Bio
Pastor John Hunt has been an Australian Christian Churches (ACC) pastor for 39 years and is currently the Director of ACC International. He became the ACC National Vice President in 2021. John and his wife Francine pastored Centro Church in Ipswich for 28 years. He and Francine have been married for 42 years and have three married daughters and seven grandchildren.
Prayer Points for October 2025
- God to pour out his blessing and Spirit on every church in Australia and its leaders. Hebrews 13:7
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- Widespread adoption of Reaching Australia 2033 and its plan to activate every believer in personal evangelism. Acts 1:8
- Revival for Australia and for millions to come to Christ. Isaiah 64:1–2
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Pope Benedict Emeritus said that he would spend the rest of his life praying for the church after his abdication. He meant globally I don’t think he was parochial.
I have to add that people had courage and strength all over the world in different times and eras regions and conditions ;under paganism atheism agnosticism whatever.
It s nature .Animals have strength and courage .Unless they’ve been badly treated as young or are disabled in some way making them vulnerable to predators of whatever intention or in whatever form
Drugs, such as anti depressants I’ve been told by an elderly retired biochemist , induce inexplicable feelings of fear in those using them .As can hallucinogenics, psychotropics ,even the good old faithful depressant ,alcohol , when consumed routinely .
Anything that is a threat to the bodies natural integrity of form or function chemically or biologically will imo produce sensations of fear quite as a natural reaction .
It does matter what you allow into your body your blood your stomach your muscles just as much ,maybe more, than what you allow to enter your consciousness through your eyes and ears .
Mass hypnosis is real too .
Beware, lest ye be deceived, for many will come in name Jesus warns.