January 11, 2026
Can a person Still Be Brave if they are Afraid?
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

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

How to cultivate bravery: (R.E.S.T.)
1. Remember Past Victories

1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV)

The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine."
Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."

2. Embrace Community

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

3. Step Out in Faith

Deuteronomy 11:24 (NIV)

Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea.

Exodus 4:1-2 (NIV)

Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you'?"
Then the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?"
"A staff," he replied.

4. Trust in God's Promises

Joshua 1:3 (NIV)

I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.

Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)

1The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.
2"I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)

3I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you."

Psalms 56:3-4 (NIV)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise--
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?

Mark 5:35 (NIV)

While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher anymore?"

Mark 5:36 (NIV)

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

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.