Courage to Hope - Chapter two

Chapter two from "Words of Hope"

Courage to Hope

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged,
for the LORD
your God will be with you
wherever you go.


Joshua 1:9

Do you have the courage to hope? Job did. In Job 13:15 we read his words, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…” King David did. In Psalm 25:5 we read his words, “…my hope is in you all day long.” The prophet Micah did. In Micah 7:7 we read his words, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD…”

What is hope? Strong’s Concordance defines hope as “to wait expectantly.” Webster’s dictionary defines hope as “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.” I define hope as expectantly waiting on God to act on my behalf.

It takes courage to hope. After the death of Moses, God told Joshua, “You and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan River…” Joshua’s instant promotion from the position of aide to the role of leader probably caused him to shake in his sandals. But God’s promise in Joshua 1:9 must have given Joshua the courage to hope; “for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Are you discouraged as you wait for answers to life’s situations? Is there something you need? Healing. Provision. Reconciliation. Take courage in the LORD as you wait on God to act on your behalf. Remember His words to Joshua, “for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” God is your courage to hope!

Hope for Daily Living

Have you ever needed courage to hope? If so, describe the circumstances.

Read Nehemiah 1. When Nehemiah’s heart was crushed over the condition of his beloved Jerusalem, broken down walls and gates burned with fire, he wept before the LORD for the courage to approach King Artaxerxes and ask for help in rebuilding the city. What did Nehemiah ask of God? Make a list.

Nehemiah found courage to hope in the midst of fear. Read verse two and three again. Ask God to help you pray through your fear and commit to say yes to God in spite of your circumstances. Write your commitment below.

Heavenly Father,

today I pray for the courage to seek you for my needs and trust you for the results. Give me the courage to admit my fear yet step boldly into your will. Remind me that when You place something on my heart to accomplish, You have already made the way. I thank you for giving me the courage to hope. In the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Joyce L Powell