Biblical Bravery
First, Faith’s motto is “Nothing is difficult for the Brave & Faithful,” but what is Biblical bravery? When I think about who was brave in the Bible, I think of Peter, who walked on water, Stephen, who was the first to die for his faith, and Esther, who spoke out against the king to save Israel. There are many more infamous stories, but one story specifically that showcases true Biblical bravery is Joshua.
At the start of Joshua’s story in the Old Testament, Moses, the leader of the Israelites, had just died, and Joshua, his successor, was now leading the nation into the Promised Land after 80 years in the desert. Moses was an established and respected leader, something Joshua would have to grow into. In addition to trying to obtain respect from his people, he needed to gain respect from other, much more powerful nations. Therefore, Joshua now carried the burden of both physical and spiritual responsibility. However, he wasn’t to fight these battles alone. God spoke to Joshua and said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
At first glance, the question might seem like God is either mad at Joshua or trying to be sassy, yet I assure you it’s neither. It’s a reminder of what Joshua already knows. God had already told Joshua multiple times in the chapter to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid. God is lovingly calling Joshua back to truth; it’s a reminder to stop doubting and to be brave. In this context, bravery isn’t a personality trait, it’s obedience. We as Christians can choose to be brave because we know that God is with us wherever we go. God doesn’t promise us a life without fear, but He does promise that He is with us through it.
There are various types of fear that we encounter in our daily lives. Fear can be an emotional response to a perceived threat. This biological fear is immediate and instinctive; it’s not sinful, it’s protective. There’s also a spiritual fear that can camouflage as terror or anxiety. This fear shrinks faith and paralyzes obedience. This fear is a lie from the enemy. This is the fear we must choose to be brave in, remembering that God is with us, just like He was with Joshua.
To be strong and courageous doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to feel afraid; it means don’t let fear lead. Strength is your inner firmness to overcome obstacles, and courage is forward movement despite fear. Together they make one, not immune to fear, but able to overcome it. The verse continues with, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” God is calling us not to fear what might happen and not to be weary of what has happened. We should live fully in the present, knowing that God holds our future and understands our present exhaustion from past events.
It might sound like that’s a lot of responsibility on our end, to not be afraid of fear, but instead be brave and trust God in the midst of trials and tribulations. Of course, that’s easier said than done. I’ve tried to adapt to this mentality, yet I still get it wrong. I cower with fear. I don’t always choose to be brave, and more often than not I grow weary from the weight of the world. But then I remember the final line of Joshua 1:9: “For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” That’s the key. It’s not about me; it’s about God standing by my side so I can be brave because I know who goes before me and who stands with me in all situations, even when I mess up, even when I run from fear.
One important distinction in this verse is that “LORD” translates to Yahweh. This is the divine name of God. It means, “I AM WHO I AM.” God declares Himself to be self-existent, not created, not dependent; He simply IS. He has no beginning and no end, and because He is eternal, His faithfulness is eternal. When the name Yahweh is called upon in the Bible, it’s not just the name of a far-off god but rather the opposite. He is THE God who reveals Himself and binds Himself to His people. He is good, just, and faithful.
Yahweh is with you wherever you go. The God of all creation, the relational, faithful, intentional, and eternal God, is with you wherever you go.
Life can feel heavy, confusing, and unpredictable. You will face trials of many kinds, that’s a Biblical promise, but so is the fact that Yahweh will be with you in those trials. You can call upon His strength in moments of fear.
Biblical bravery is not loud confidence, emotional fearlessness, or self-made strength. It is steady obedience rooted in the character of God. It is choosing to step forward when fear whispers “retreat,” because you trust the One who goes before you. Just as Joshua stood on the edge of the Promised Land with uncertainty ahead of him, we stand daily on the edge of unknowns. The difference-maker then and now is the same: Yahweh is with us. And when the eternal, covenant-keeping God walks beside you, bravery is no longer about your capability; it’s about His presence.
