This week, we conclude our Flame Out to Fearless series by looking at how we can be courageous and fearless.
Over the past two weeks, we have explored burnout in our lives and how to practically battle and overcome burnout so we can heal and live as God intended us to live.
Be Strong and Courageous
God wants us to live courageous lives. He calls us to live courageous lives. The movie, Courageous was directed and produced by Sherwood Pictures, an outreach ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church.
They are known for Facing the Giants and Fireproof. Courageous follows five dads who commit to living lives that honor God even when tough circumstances come their way.
I won’t spoil the movie for you, but their commitment inspired many men to take up a similar life challenge.
Joshua, leader of the Israelites after Moses passed away, was charged with leading God’s people into the Promised Land.
God repeatedly told him to be strong and courageous. Let’s see what God says:
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” – Joshua 1:6
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:7
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
As we see from these verses, God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous no less than three times.
Joshua just assumed the mantle of leadership from Moses, and the people of Israel had spent the last forty years wandering in the desert because they disobeyed the Lord.
He was ready but needed help and confirmation of his leadership position. He would also be the one to help lead the people in taking down Jericho with the help of Rahab.
How to Live Courageously
God calls us to live courageously. He commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous. How can we live courageously?
- Recognize Burnout Signs – we need to be aware of the things in our lives that lead to burnout and be ready to surrender them.
- Ask God to Show You Where You Need Help – asking for help is sometimes hard, whether you are asking friends or God. God wants us to be fruitful and passionate about life. He wants us to surrender our lives to Him, and surrender begins with asking for help.
- Be Courageous and Fearless – Joshua sought God’s help and asked him to go before him and lay the groundwork for the Israelites. We need God to go before us. We need Him to prepare the field and the pathway for us so we can live confidently.
It sounds easy to live confidently and rely on God for our strength, but the truth is, it’s not easy. I struggle most days with living courageously for one reason or another.
God is my source of strength. He is my source for living confidently. He prepares my coming and my going. He prepares my table. And He prepares my pathway even when I do not see it immediately.
Encouragement
This week, as we conclude our series, I want to encourage you to spend time recognizing the signs of burnout in your life, finding ways to battle burnout, and, most importantly, surrendering your burnout to the Lord so you can live a courageous and fearless life.
Joshua 1:9 says,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Let this verse echo in your heart this week as you live the life God intended for you.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for providing a roadmap to live a life free of burnout and worry if we surrender to You. I ask you to meet each one of us where we are right now and to give us the strength to ask for help and let you guide us. Please help us to be strong and courageous this week! Amen!
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