Encouragement for Today

February 3, 2025 Courageous Because of Who God Is TRILLIA J. NEWBELL Lee en español

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

To be the first person to do anything can be daunting.

As Joshua and the Israelites prepared to head into the promised land for the first time in the Old Testament, they were fearful, just as most of us would be. While we may never go into battle against people in a fortified city, God gave them and us this reminder:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

The command “do not fear” is one of the most direct orders — if not the most direct — in the Scriptures. The Lord has a lot to say about fear.

God understands that we will face frightening circumstances. The Lord knows we will face situations, diagnoses and people that will tempt us to fear. Otherwise, there would be no reason to tell us not to fear. Jesus Himself was tempted in every way, though He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15), and He understands. Knowing that ought to bring us comfort.

And God doesn’t command us not to fear without providing the way out of our fear. The way out for Joshua and the people of Israel, and for you and me, is God Himself. God provides His presence (Isaiah 41:10).

History is full of men and women who faced their fears, and as we start Black History Month in the United States, it’s good to remember one small, brave girl named Ruby Bridges.

At 6 years old, Ruby became the first African American person to integrate schools in the recently desegregated South. On November 14, 1960 — six years after Brown v. Board of Education ruled that separating students by race in public schools was unconstitutional — Ruby took the long walk into an all-white public elementary school.

The night before, Ruby’s mom, Lucille Bridges, tried to prepare Ruby, through tender reminders, not to fear.

The next day, Ruby and her mother were escorted into William Frantz Elementary School by four federal marshals. Through human barricades and shouts of hate, little Ruby took that long walk and changed the course of history for children in the U.S.

Although little Ruby wasn’t facing a battle for land like the Israelites, she had to walk through a massive sea of adults yelling, which likely felt like going up against a fortified city. She needed great courage, and I believe the Lord went with her.

The same God who went before Israel and prepared a way is the same God who is with us in our fear. Like Ruby and Joshua, we can be courageous not because of who we are or because of our strength but because of who God is. And the good news is that He is with us.

Lord, thank You for giving us the grace needed to obey Your commands. Help us to cast all our burdens and fears on You today. Give us courage and miraculous peace, knowing that we’re not alone — You go with us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

In her new book Celebrating Around the Table, Trillia J. Newbell invites your family to learn more about the accomplishments and adversities of 12 noteworthy African American believers, including Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Freeman, Harriet Tubman, and some others you don’t know but should.

ENGAGE

To learn more or connect with Trillia, visit trillianewbell.com.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Celebrating Around the Table by Trillia J. Newbell. To celebrate this book, Trillia’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by filling out the form here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify them via email by Monday, February 10, 2025.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (ESV).

Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (ESV).

What fears or challenges are you facing right now that require courage, and how can the reminder of God’s presence with you help you move forward? Share with us in the comments!

© 2025 by Trillia J. Newbell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Harvest House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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