Courage Over Fear
Deuteronomy 31:1–8
Introduction:
Transitions are never easy. Especially in leadership. There’s something deeply unsettling about change, even when it’s good. You can feel the weight of responsibility shift, the unknowns multiply, and the familiar patterns begin to fade. It’s in these moments that fear can find a foothold—because fear thrives where clarity ends.
In Deuteronomy 31, Moses is handing over leadership to Joshua. After decades of leading Israel through the wilderness, facing rebellion, miracles, victories, and heartbreak—his journey is coming to an end. But the mission isn’t finished. The people must move forward. And Joshua must rise.
What Moses speaks in this moment is not just a ceremonial passing of the torch—it’s a divine charge to choose courage over fear. And it’s a word we still need today. Because whether you’re stepping into a new role, guiding a ministry, navigating a life transition, or mentoring the next generation—God’s call is the same: choose courage over fear and trust in Him.
The weight of leadership is real. So is the uncertainty of what lies ahead. But this message is vital because we are often tempted to shrink back instead of stepping up. We talk ourselves out of what God has called us to do. We look around and say, “I’m not ready… I’m not qualified… I’m not Moses.” But that’s exactly why this word matters. Courage is not the absence of fear—it is the presence of faith in the face of fear. And it’s rooted not in what we bring to the table, but in Who goes with us into the unknown.
This isn’t a motivational phrase—it’s a spiritual posture. Because courage doesn’t come from self-confidence—it comes from God-confidence. And Deuteronomy 31 shows us how.
Moses begins his charge not by focusing on Joshua’s abilities—but rather on God’s presence. Because real courage isn’t grounded in our capability, but in God’s faithfulness.
1. Trust That God Goes Before You
Notice the foundation upon which Moses builds upon when leading the people of Israel. He begins by declaring to both the people—and to Joshua that they are not alone—God is with them.
In verses 3-6 he says, “The Lord your God himself will go before you… he will never leave you nor forsake you” (vv. 3, 6).
In this life, true courage to live well and lead your family (and others for that matter), comes from a knowledge and recognition that God is with you and Has promised to go before you! The promise of God’s presence is the bedrock of biblical courage. It’s not the absence of fear—it’s the assurance of Who walks with you through the fear. Moses isn’t telling Joshua to ignore the risks. He’s reminding him that he’s not alone.
Think of a small child walking into a dark room. Alone, it’s terrifying. But if their father walks in beside them, holding their hand, everything changes. The room hasn’t changed—but their confidence has. That’s the power of presence.
Application: What challenge are you facing right now? What role feels too big for you? Courage starts when you shift your focus from your inadequacy to God’s sufficiency. He goes before you. He stands behind you. And He walks beside you.
God’s presence gives us courage—but so does understanding our role. Joshua wasn’t just called to be strong—he was called to be a servant of God’s purpose.
2. Step Into Your Calling with Obedient Faith
Verse 7 says, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land… and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.”
This was not about Joshua’s greatness—it was about God’s promise. Joshua’s role was to lead in alignment with God’s mission.
Life and leadership in God’s kingdom is never about self-exaltation. It’s about stewardship. Joshua didn’t choose this assignment—God did. And courage comes when we surrender to God’s calling, even when it costs us.
Think of a relay race. Each runner has a leg to run—not the whole race. Joshua was not Moses. And he didn’t have to be. His strength would come from doing the part God assigned to him.
Application: You don’t have to be someone else. You don’t have to carry every burden. You just have to be faithful with the role God has given you. Embrace the call—not for applause, but for obedience.
Moses gives Joshua one final reminder—a truth that will sustain his courage through every battle ahead: God is not just present now—He’s faithful forever.
3. Stand Firm on God’s Unchanging Faithfulness
Verse 8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Lasting courage hinges on our faith in God’s faithfulness. Trusting that He will do what He’s promised and acting upon that faith leads us to experience the ongoing peace that accompanies courage.
This promise is repeated because it’s the one Joshua will need to rehearse again and again. In times of fear. In moments of failure. In seasons of uncertainty. God is not going anywhere. And that alone makes courage possible.
Consider an anchor on a ship. In a storm, the waves don’t stop—but the anchor holds. That’s what God’s faithfulness is like. It doesn’t remove the wind, but it keeps us steady.
Application: Build your confidence on the unchanging nature of God—not your fluctuating circumstances. He is who He says He is. And He will do what He said He would do.
Conclusion:
Leadership isn’t easy. Change isn’t comfortable. But both are necessary. And God doesn’t call us to comfort—He calls us to courage over fear, to a life marked by trust in His promises rather than paralysis from our anxieties. That’s why Moses didn’t point Joshua to his own skill set or experience—but to the One who had always been faithful, from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land.
Courage is not something we work up—it’s something we receive when we trust God’s presence and believe His promises. It’s what allows us to step forward when the road is unclear, to lead when the weight feels heavy, and to act in faith when fear whispers, “You can’t.”
So wherever God is calling you to lead—whether in your home, your church, your workplace, or your community—step forward with a heart that chooses courage over fear. Not because you feel ready, but because God is already there. Courage is not the result of confidence in self—it’s the fruit of confidence in God.
Be strong—not in your own strength, but in His grace. Be courageous—not because you have all the answers, but because you know the One who does. And lead—humbly, faithfully, boldly—trusting that God finishes what He starts.
Because leadership isn’t about being fearless.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You today for the call to live our lives empowered by your presence and the courage You provide. We confess our weakness—and we receive Your strength. Remind us that You go before us, You are with us, and You will never leave us. Help us to lead in our homes, churches, and communities with boldness, humility, and faith. Let our courage be rooted not in ourselves, but in You. May we step into the roles You’ve given us with trust in Your presence, and confidence in Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.