This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. “JOSHUA 1:8-9(NKJV)

Throughout the Bible, every major breakthrough was preceded by an act of courage. Courage is not the absence of fear—it is the decision to move forward in spite of fear. Life is filled with opportunities disguised as challenges. God calls us to bold obedience that brings increase—in influence, territory, resources, and spiritual depth. God was speaking to Joshua in the book of Joshua chapter 1 and He said to him if you are to succeed in this assignment I have given you, if you must see any kind of increase and victory, you must be courageous.

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall [a]divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:6(NKJV)

Joshua’s promotion to leadership came with a command to be courageous. Courage positions you for promotion. Courage positions you to step into roles others may shy away from. Promotions come to those who obey when it’s uncomfortable. For instance, it was David’s courage to facing Goliath – while others hid that brought national recognition and access to the palace (1 Samuel 17). God’s promises are real, but courage is the key to unlock them. Courage opens the door to God’s promises. The Promised Land was available to all, but only the courageous entered. Caleb told the children of Israel “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30(NIV). This means that there are spiritual and material blessings on the other side of your “yes” to God’s hard instructions. Caleb’s courage stood out among the fearful spies. Courage will always bring increase through our obedience to God’s instructions. God often ties His instructions with a command to be courageous because the path to increase is rarely easy.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6(NKJV)

Your courageous obedience to God’s instruction is the key to growth in business, career, ministry and all life endeavors. Obedience to tough calls—giving, forgiving, helping others, starting ministries, business, career or program, taking kingdom risks, making kingdom business decisions—requires courage. Your courage is contagious—it can lead to collective increase. Courage can inspire others and multiplies positive impact. It was Paul’s courage in prison that sparked boldness in the Church. Paul talking about this in Philippians 1:14(NIV), he says – “…most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word…” That means one person’s courageous stand can impact positively and shift an entire family, church, or city in the direction of increase. God increases what we are willing to risk for His name. He told Joshua three times to be courageous because He knows increase was coming—territory, influence, legacy. Don’t wait for fear to leave; choose to move forward by faith. Increase follows courage, and God is faithful to those who are determined to step out in boldness.

Prayer of the Day: Father in the name of Jesus, I ask that you give me the courage to step into what You’ve promised us.”