The “Tea” about Courage…” Joshua 1:9

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

When my boys were little, we loved to watch a cartoon called Courage, the Cowardly Dog. The title alone makes you curious. In every episode, something frightening or evil would try to attack the woman who cared for Courage. And even though Courage was terrified — shaking like a leaf on a tree, eyes wide, knees knocking — he would still rise to the occasion to protect her. He never acted because he felt brave. He acted because he loved her. Courage didn’t wait for fear to disappear; he moved through the fear to do what was right.

Here is the “tea” about Courage….

Courage is NOT the absence of fear. Nor is it about physical strength. But courage is a character quality that God grows inside you in moments when life feels uncertain, confusing, or overwhelming.

Courage begins privately in your heart before it ever shows up publicly in your life.

You don’t need courage when everything is easy. You need courage when:

• you’re unsure about the future.

• you feel pressure from friends.

• you’re being bullied by haters.

• you don’t know what to do next.

• you feel alone in your faith.

Courage is choosing to trust God even when your feelings are loud.

Courage is…

• raising your hand in class even when you’re scared you’ll get it wrong.

• walking away from school campus drama even when everyone else is staying.

• saying “no” to temptation even when it costs you popularity.

• staying true to your faith in Christ even when others call you “Jesus Freak.”

• talking to people you trust about your concerns and anxiety instead of pretending you’re fine.

• being true to who God created you to be and living it out like you love it!

These moments don’t look big on the outside, but they are HUGE in God’s eyes.

Listen, children…. God strengthens your heart in the quiet moments so you can stand in the loud ones. In scripture God says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Courage doesn’t come from being fearless. Courage comes from knowing you’re not facing life alone.

Do one small “positive” thing today that fear has been trying to stop you from doing. Just one. And watch how God meets you in that moment.

For His glory…

Written by Sandra Kelley (5/14/2026)