(Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

The bottom line of courage as a Christ follower is not about us at all, but the fact that God has promised us throughout His Word that we can be strong, we can be brave, we can have courage, we don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to panic in the face of problems, because His presence is with us.

Oftentimes when our kids are scared, they will ask, “Are you going to stay with me?” We say yes. Then they ask, “So, you won’t leave?” Now our answer must change to no. Interesting how often God will tell us what He will do, but then, just like a perfect Father, He will also tell us what He won’t do! In today’s passage, He adds, “I won’t fail or abandon you.”

What is going on in your life right now where you desperately need God’s courage to fill you?

Take comfort in His words. Take them in as if He were speaking only to you. In fact, let’s personalize this passage: So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic. As the Lord your God, I will personally go ahead of you. I will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

Consider this: Why would you want to serve a God that cannot do this? Why would you love a God who wouldn’t strengthen you, who wouldn’t give you His courage or might abandon you? The great news is you do. And He does. And He will … for you.

Let’s thank Him together: “Father, thank You for Your strength, Your courage, that I don’t have to be afraid any longer, that there’s no need to panic. Thank You that You go ahead of me to face what I cannot see, that You never fail me or abandon Me. Help me to believe that, feel that, live that truth. As above, so below. Amen”