True Bravery: Learning to Follow God’s LeadEsimerkki

## Do Not Fear or Be Dismayed The dictionary definitions of “strong” and “courageous” read like this: strong | strôNG | 1 having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks; exerting great force; possessing skills and qualities that create a likelihood of success; powerfully affecting the mind, senses, or emotions 2 able to withstand great force or pressure; not easily disturbed, upset, or affected cou·ra·geous | kəˈrājəs | adjective not deterred by danger or pain; brave And then one of the many references to strength and courage in the Bible reads like this: > "'Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed'" (Deuteronomy 31:6-8, ESV). Spend some time soaking up these verses, reading them a few times silently, and then aloud. What words stand out to you? What do they make you think about? Next, read the verses a third time and put yourself in the scene. How do you feel? What person can you relate to most? Finally, read the set of verses a fourth time. Ask Holy Spirit what He is revealing to you. What deeper meaning is He sharing with you now? What words stood out to you—or what was your experience when reading these verses?