Courage is the ability to face fear, uncertainty, and intimidation. It is the strength of character that allows us to endure adversity. In today's culture, full of fears and great challenges, we need this virtue. C.S. Lewis wrote, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." Courage is what holds faith, hope, and love together when we go through difficult times. It is simply a fundamental virtue!

Do you have courage? Pause and reflect. Would you like to raise the level of your courage?

In today's passage, God commissions Joshua and exhorts him to move forward into Canaan. There's a lot we can learn from this. God's counsel focuses on one oft-repeated phrase: "Be strong and courageous." The message is clear, accessing God's promise will not happen by accident, it will require fortitude, a lot of fortitude. God's will is not accomplished by "accident" rather, we need a Holy Spirit-filled intention to accomplish it. If we want to live God's promises, we must step forward boldly. We cannot sit idly by. Thankfully, God not only commanded Joshua to be courageous, but He also told him where to find the source of courage. Here are three tips:

First, meditate on the Scriptures. Go slowly and immerse yourself in them. The Bible, with all its truth and promises, is the source of courage, for it gives us eternal perspective and reminds us who our Almighty God is. As you contemplate God's Living Word, you will find strength to face difficult circumstances.

Second, obey God's ways. Today, make a firm decision to live God's way. Choose what's right, even when you feel like the opposite. Stand firm in the pursuit of good even if it means rejection. Obey God and you will see your courage multiply.

Finally, live in the presence of God. When God says to Joshua, "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go," we understand where our essential source of strength lies. When you truly understand that God is with you, you will find the courage to persevere. Remember that Jesus is all you need. So, take heart today! The strength you need comes from God's presence. Let go of all your fear and anxiety and choose courage.

Suggested Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for always being with me. In your presence and through your Word and obedience to it, I can find courage. Help me to be strong today â€" where there is fear in my life, show me how to replace it with faith, in areas and circumstances that are difficult, give me the strength to do what is right instead of easy. This I ask in Jesus' precious name, Amen.

1.    Joshua 1:9 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.