Ryan Daffron

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” — Joshua 10:25

SOUNDING
During Joshua’s campaign in the Promised Land, five Amorite kings unite to fight against Israel. God intervenes powerfully in the battle. Israel pursues the enemy across the countryside while God throws the opposing armies into confusion, sends hailstones that defeat many of them, and even causes the sun to stand still so the battle can be finished. It is one of the most dramatic moments of divine intervention in the Old Testament.

Eventually, the five kings are captured and brought before Joshua. In an act that symbolized complete victory, Joshua calls the commanders of Israel forward and tells them to place their feet on the necks of the defeated kings. In the ancient world, this gesture represented total triumph over an enemy that once seemed powerful and threatening.

Yet in that moment, Joshua does something striking. Instead of celebrating human strength or military skill, he tells the commanders, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” Even in victory, he knows something about the human heart: fear has a way of returning, and discouragement can creep back in when the next challenge appears. Joshua wants the leaders to remember that this victory was not the result of their power but the result of God’s faithfulness.

The lesson is clear. Moments of success are not meant to make us self-reliant but to strengthen our trust in God. The same God who fought for Israel in this battle would be the one who carried them through the battles still ahead. Past victories become fuel for future courage.

BEARING
Remembering God’s past victories strengthens courage for the battles still ahead.

PRAYER
Lord, help me remember the ways You have fought for me so that fear and discouragement do not return.

DROP IN
Recall one victory God has given you and let that memory strengthen your courage today.