Why You Must Overcome Fear (4 Reasons)

by | Mar 20, 2025 | Devotional Blogs

Moses was dead, and Joshua was the new leader tasked with guiding the Israelites into the Promised Land. As they drew closer to their destination, Joshua faced an overwhelming spirit of fear unlike anything he had experienced before. However, God powerfully encounters Joshua through His Word and strengthens him against this fear and intimidation. In the very first chapter, God commands Joshua at least four times, saying, “Do not fear. Be strong and courageous.” Each time God delivers this message, He provides Joshua with a new reason to rise up and move forward toward Canaan.

The first time God commands Joshua, He says, “Be strong and courageous, for this people I have ordained to inherit the land…” (Joshua 1:6). This command was for the benefit of the people. If Joshua listened to God’s Word and faced his fears, many would follow him into Canaan. Similarly, there are people waiting to be blessed because of your obedience. So, overcome your fears, resist the attacks the devil brings against you, and be a blessing to someone.

The second time God says, “Be strong and courageous,” He adds, “Meditate on the word, and you will make your way prosperous and find good success” (Josh 1:7-8). In other words, God is telling Joshua, “Fear not for your own sake!” God wants to give him good success and prosperity. Beloved, God doesn’t just want to use you to bless others; He wants to bless you as well. God has a significant investment in you. He didn’t bring you this far just to abandon you. He didn’t help you through all your challenges for you to fail now. So get up, shake off that fear, and take that bold step of faith. Start that business! Apply to that college! Walk through that open door — you can achieve good success!

The third time God says, “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed,” He adds, “For the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). This verse conveys that we can be strong and courageous because the Lord our God is by our side. It also serves as a message from God to Joshua: “It is not just your name that’s at stake; my name is at stake too. My reputation goes with you if you fail to follow my commands.” In other words, God was telling Joshua not to be afraid for the sake of the Lord’s honor.

The Apostle Paul writes “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:11-12). Paul expresses that God trusts him, and he desires to be bold and faithful in preaching the gospel. In the same way, God trusts you with the assignment He has given you. When you conquer your fears and fulfill what He has called you to do, you bring glory to the One who called you.

The fourth time God admonished Joshua was through the elders in the camp. They told him, “You will have rebels who will come against you. But only be strong and courageous” (Josh 1:18). This message was directly related to his enemies. In other words, they were reassuring him, saying, “Do not fear because of your enemies.” God was explicitly communicating to him, “I will not let you fail, even though there are many who hate you. Despite the opposition you face, I will bless you!”

Beloved, God the Father cares deeply about your success and desires to vindicate you in front of your enemies. He will bless you and promote you in the sight of those who oppose you. This is reflected in David’s words: “You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). So, let go of your fears, be bold, and embrace God’s wonderful plan for your life. The best is yet to come, and you will achieve everything He has destined for you in Jesus’ name.

God bless you!