“Meeting God in the Next Step”
By Dianne Prince
“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 1:9 (NKJV)
Strength often appears only after obedience begins. Many of us wait to feel brave before moving forward, yet Scripture shows us that courage grows along the way. God called Joshua to step forward before his confidence arrived. Strength followed his obedience.
What does obedience look like? It looks like forgiving someone who caused deep pain or saying yes to a new responsibility while fear lingers. Obedience can feel quiet and costly. The first step feels heavy. The second step feels lighter. The step after that carries a sense of momentum, as our strength begins to take hold. Strength comes after we take action, and God meets each step we take with His presence.
Fear slowly loosens its grip when we continue to obey. Each step taken in faith builds our trust, not in our own ability, but in God Himself. Life does not become easier, but it becomes steadier, anchored in the promise that God is near.
When we obey God, it gently shifts our heart from fear to faith. In unfamiliar places, our trust deepens, and God proves Himself faithful again and again.
Courage does not come from waiting until we feel strong. It comes from meeting God in the next step. And it grows as we walk forward, trusting God and moving forward even when fear remains.
