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IN HIS FOOTSTEPS: Courage to Lead

A Guide to Effective Leadership

Devotion Twenty-two. July 22, 2025

“Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

By then, I did not struggle bathing with cold water, but recently, weather changes have forced me to use warm water every morning. I made sure to get some warm water, or I would have missed bathing in the morning before going out for my day's chores. However, this morning, although there was no warm water, my roommates told me to be courageous and not afraid. That was when I thought of how to get some warm water for bathing. Their challenge made me face the coldness of the water, reminding me of how God also challenged the Israelites and Joshua.

It is true; we have different fears when it comes to situations, especially those involving leadership. Moses was afraid to confront the Pharaohs, but God stood with him, and he successfully liberated the Israelites. When Moses was gone, the mantle shifted to Joshua, who was also afraid to lead the people into the Promised Land. God quickly told him to be courageous. 1:9. It explains why leaders need to build courage to lead. I was afraid to bathe with cold water, but I developed courage through my friends to bathe with cold water, and I went to class smart. Joshua also built through God’s assurance, and he won battle after battle to conquer the Promised Land.

Building on this, leaders should not let fear overweigh them but rather develop courage to lead God’s children by trusting His assurance like Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 14:13-14 and Joshua 1:9). This should depend entirely on the command of God. His word says, “Be strong and of good courage.” Leaders need strength and courage to lead. “Be not afraid.” We fear because of our enemies’ strength or professionalism, but God says, “Fear not nor be dismayed.” Why? Because he “promised to be with us everywhere we go.” Have the courage to lead because God is with thee always and everywhere you go.

Likewise, there are some people, or leaders, who are afraid to compete or lead a group into a battle although they are sure to win. It might be because of fearing to die, fearing the shame of defeat, or lacking some skills to approach an issue, but God challenges you to be courageous and not afraid. He encourages you because it is He who fights or leads any difficult battle on your behalf. God assured Joshua, so he won several battles; you too need courage from God to win.

Living out on this truth: Where do you think you need courage to lead your church or group? What has been your fear in the church, group, or organisation as a leader that you can tell God to help you? In my early school days, I did not lead because I was not perfect in communications, but today I am a good speaker and have assumed leadership in many fields. Of course, I started building the courage in the church as a young youth leader, so God helped and continues to help and guide me throughout. You too can do it by following His footsteps when faced with fear of the unknown.

In conclusion, the courage to lead requires one to trust God and to never be afraid or dismayed, because God promised to be with us wherever we go, always. As leaders, we need His guidance and trust His challenge. Let us follow his footsteps as leaders.

Dear God, on many occasions I feel defeated because of fear of the unknown when leading your people, but thank you for reminding me not to be afraid nor dismayed. For you promised to be with me wherever I go. Help me to trust in your assurance to lead your people, although I will face fear ahead of time. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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