“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

We know courage when we see it! It could be the athlete who fights through fatigue to finish the game. It could be the team captain who will not let his teammates quit even when the hope of victory is gone. It could be the coach who stands in the line of fire to protect his players . It could be the official who makes the right call rather than the popular one. Reverend Billy Graham said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.” I like that and I believe it’s true. Great teams usually have great leaders on and off the field or court. These leaders demand effort and refuse to let their players or teammates quit.

When Joshua  became Israel’s leader, he was ready for the challenge. First, God appointed him. Second, Joshua had been an assistant coach under Moses for forty years. Third, Joshua was one of only two men who believed that God would help Israel defeat their opponents in the Promised Land. How do you lead two million people into a hostile land and survive. Joshua didn’t have all the answers, but he knew God was with him. God told Joshua that it would not be easy, but Joshua accepted the challenge. God told Joshua to read and study God’s Word faithfully and Joshua found courage through his faith in the Master Coach. That courage trickled down to Joshua’s team and their spines were stiffened when the tough times came. We can learn a great deal from Joshua’s example.

Heavenly Father, teach me to be courageous in the tasks you have given me today. Make me the leader You would have me to be. Amen.