Please change your mindset to that of a child so that you can understand the Word that God has for you today.
There are times in our lives when we don't know which path to choose. We are confused because we have to make a very important decision or because things are not going as we expected. We feel anxious when we see other people finding their partners and we haven't yet. We feel confused because we have to decide whether to quit our company or not. We feel worried about finding new ways for our business to make better profits. In short, we are constantly thinking about something that worries us.
The Bible tells us about someone who was in the same situation as us; his name is Joshua, the son of Nun. Moses had died, and God had called Joshua to lead the people of Israel in conquering the promised land. During Moses' time, the Red Sea had split in two, a cloud guided them by day and a pillar of fire by night, water gushed out of a rock, and extraordinary things happened. Moreover, Moses had to lead a faithless people who frequently forgot the wonders of God and served other gods. Imagine Joshua with the weight of responsibility falling on him, imagine having to replace a man like Moses, imagine having to fight against giant nations and invade walled cities. Joshua was terrified and restless! In fact, anyone in his place would be. It is in this context that God appears to this confused and fearful man and gives him a word of great encouragement in a time of need. This word has been very special to me, and I hope you can keep it in your heart so that when you feel alone, confused, fearful, or indecisive, you will have the assurance that there is someone greater who is guiding your steps:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
God tells Joshua three times to "Be strong and courageous" throughout the passage. To be strong means to gather strength from where we have none, to give our best and not let our spirits falter. When we watch a football match or any sport, we see athletes striving to achieve a goal (winning a match, reaching the finish line, scoring higher points). They give their best to reach that goal, and even when their bodies refuse and their minds have doubts, they continue forward and do not give up until they achieve what they came for.
Similarly, we must strive. Even when there are thoughts that want to make us quit, we cannot give up. We must keep going and never give up until we accomplish what God has commanded us to do.
A soldier does not think of himself when he goes to battle. He does not care about dying on the battlefield because he is completely devoted to a common purpose for which he would be willing to give his life. Despite their fear, they continue forward. The Bible portrays bravery with horses; in battle, they do not look back but charge forward with great strength and without fear of what will happen to them. We too must be brave, not looking back for comfort or self-preservation, but pressing forward without hesitation with courage and strength. Remember that Jesus said that whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for His sake will find it. He does not refer to us committing suicide or living a life of sad and anxious martyrs, but to giving everything we are for the sake of the gospel and becoming like soldiers who bravely renounce themselves because they know they are following a greater and common ideal.
Fear separates us from an endless destiny of glory; discouragement separates us from the goal and the prize that comes with it. Fear is like poison that enters our hearts, making us feel inferior, unworthy of