Courage to Begin Again

Reflection:

Starting over can feel like standing at the edge of an unknown road, unsure of what’s ahead but knowing you can’t go back. Joshua knew that feeling. Moses was gone, and the weight of leadership fell squarely on his shoulders. Everything familiar shifted overnight. God’s words to him weren’t suggestions or gentle comfort; they were a command: “Be strong and courageous.”

That command wasn’t just for Joshua; it’s for every person who has had to begin again after disappointment, heartbreak, or delay. Whether it’s rebuilding trust, rediscovering purpose, or reigniting your faith, beginnings take bravery. But courage isn’t something we find in ourselves. It’s found in the awareness that God is already where we’re afraid to go.

Starting over requires you to stop rehearsing what was and start expecting what could be. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most powerful. God doesn’t wait for your confidence to return before He moves; He steps in while your hands are still trembling and your heart is unsure.

As you step into 2026, take this truth with you: You’re not going alone. The same God who called Joshua to lead a nation walks beside you as you lead your own life. Be strong. Be courageous. Begin again.

Prayer:

Lord, give me the courage to start again. Heal what’s behind me and strengthen what’s ahead of me. When fear whispers that I can’t, remind me that You already have a plan. I trust You to guide my steps as I begin again with faith and expectation. Amen.