Be Strong and Courageous
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 08/03/2025
Foundation Scripture:
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 KJV
1. Be Strong and of Good Courage.
a. In Hebrew, the words for “strong” and “courage/courageous” are different.
b. Strong (H2388) means: to strengthen; prevail; harden; be strong; become strong; be courageous; be firm; grow firm; be resolute.
c. Good courage/courageous (H553) means: be stout; be strong, strengthen yourself; fortify, harden, increase, prevail; be bold; be alert, physically and/or mentally; steadfastly minded.
d. However, in the English translation, often the word for “strong” is rendered as “courageous” or “good courage” depending on the context.
e. So, we see that they go together, and we are encouraged by the Lord (as Joshua was) to be both strong and courageous.
f. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward in faith despite fear.
g. The Lord repeatedly commands His people to be courageous—not in their own strength—but in His presence, power, and promises.
2. Courage Is Commanded by God.
a. God doesn’t suggest courage—He commands it.
b. God commanded Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage.”
c. Joshua faced giants, fortified cities, and a calling to lead a nation—but God’s Word to him was not “Be careful,” it was “Be courageous.”
d. Courage is a choice to obey God’s voice, not man’s fear.
e. Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV –– Be strong and of a good courage, fear not… for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee…
f. When God calls you to something—whether it’s ministry, a new job, becoming a parent, or standing for righteousness—He expects and enables you to face it courageously.
3. Courage Comes from God’s Presence.
a. God told Joshua, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
b. The key to courage is not self-confidence but confidence in God.
c. You don’t need to see the whole path, or know the whole plan, when you know Who walks beside you.
d. Psalm 27:1a KJV –– The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
e. Isaiah 41:10a KJV –– Fear thou not; for I am with thee.
f. Courage grows when you become more conscious and aware of His presence—by spending time daily in His Word and prayer.
4. Courage Requires Faith Over Fear.
a. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV –– For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
b. Fear is a spirit—and it is not from God.
c. And courage will overcome it.
d. Fear paralyzes; faith energizes and propels.
e. Courage is believing God’s Word to you more than what your eyes see, or what your feelings and emotions feel.
f. David killed Goliath (1 Sam. 17:45), and before that, the lion and the bear.
g. We see from his prayers and conversations with God, that he was not fearless in himself, but rather, he had complete trust in the God who never failed to save and deliver him.
h. 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV –– And David was greatly distressed…but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
i. Replace any fearful thoughts with faith-filled declarations based on God’s Word.
j. Speak courage!
5. Courage Is Contagious.
a. 1 Chronicles 28:20 KJV –– And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…
b. Your courage inspires others—family, church, coworkers.
c. Parents, your children learn boldness or timidity from your example.
d. Pastors and spiritual leaders, your courage strengthens the body of Christ.
e. The Bible is full of the people whose courage inspired their nation.
f. Esther was one of those people whose courage saved her nation from being wiped out (Esther 4:14-16).
g. We must ask ourselves—what legacy of courage are we leaving behind?
6. Courage Is Rewarded by God.
a. Revelation 21:7 KJV –– He that overcometh shall inherit all things…
b. There are eternal rewards for trust and faith and action.
c. But the next verse goes on to say that those who are fearful and unbelieving will never be received into God’s presence (Rev. 21:8).
d. The heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11, “…through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises—and obtained a good report through faith (Heb. 11:33-39).
e. Courage leads to inheritance, victory, and eternal reward.
f. The three Hebrew boys (Daniel 3) refused to bow; and God walked with them in the fire.
g. Heaven honors those who stood bold in the face of fire, flood, and foes.
7. Step into Courage Today.
a. 1 Corinthians 16:13 KJV -–– Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
b. Be alert and on your guard and stand firm in your faith.
c. Act like a person who knows their God—be courageous and strong.
d. Remember:
- God commands courage.
- His presence empowers it.
- Faith fuels it.
- Others are strengthened by it.
- Heaven rewards it.
e. Pray this prayer: “Father, I thank You that You are with me wherever I go. I reject the spirit of fear and receive the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Help me to be bold like a lion, faithful like Joshua, fearless like David, and full of faith like Esther. I will be strong and courageous in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”