The Hard Step Of Obedience

Not every step a follower of Jesus takes is an easy one. Sometimes the steps are hard and require great courage. A stout heart is needed to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

Joshua knew this. Maybe that is why God spoke Joshua 1:9 to him. In fact that same message God repeated to make sure Joshua got it. Joshua 1:9 (ESV) 
⁹  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Strength to take the hard steps of obedience does not originate from within yourself. No it is a supernatural strength, might, and power God supplies. 

Likewise, God gives the courage, or literally the steadfast mind, to walk those hard steps of obedience. So the courage God supplies overrules fear. Faith triumphs cowardice. 

The assurance that keeps us walking the hard steps of obedience is the truth that God is with us wherever He leads us to go. If He is with us what do we have to fear. Why would we live weak and like cowards. 

Not every step is easy but God does not always lead down the path paved with nothing but easy steps. So we step in faith. We press forward in strength and courage and trust He is with us.