Following Moses' Fearless Leadership, Joshua needed Courage

Last spring, over break, I had an astonishing opportunity to travel to Europe. I got to go to places like Paris, London and Ireland! I was definitely thrilled and beyond grateful, but about a week before the trip I was nervous. I was frightened by the thought of going somewhere new and so very different from here, in the middle of Missouri. While we were in Ireland we drove out to a cliff-side with different islands surrounding the coast. There, I got the chance to climb across a wooden string bridge to a small nearby island. It was maybe less than 100 feet, but it was right above the ocean with waves crashing right below your feet. I was scared out of my mind, but in that moment in the middle of the bridge, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

There are plenty of moments growing up when you’ll feel scared and fearful. Even though I’m only 15 years old, I’ve learned that in those moments of fear to find opportunity. To find beauty. I’ve been placed in many frightening situations; some I believe were sent as an opportunity from God.

During this past summer at camp, me and my two friends were doing a group study on our time off. It started as a small, fun idea since the camp had recently set up three hammocks that formed a triangle. As we were reading, some of our friends would find chairs and offer to read or listen. Near the end, nearly 8 people were gathered around all to read the Bible. This sparked an idea between me and my two friends–what if we held a camp-wide optional Bible study during the next free time? We talked to some of the student pastors and arranged it, getting a mini-Bible for everyone to read from. It was beyond nerve-racking to lead a group of nearly 20 students in Bible study, but something about it felt so glorifying in a way I cannot describe.

As I read these passages, there was a sense of understanding that washed over me. So many of my friends, classmates, or even younger kids at my camp have felt trustful enough to look up to and seek advice from me. And even when I feel fear rise in me, I also feel glad that people have trusted me enough to come to me. Joshua 1:6 says to be brave and courageous because you will help people. The reason I have written it like this is because when I read that verse, the first part really speaks to me. God sends us to do things we can’t explain sometimes. And this reminds me to be brave and strong because above all, he has sent us to help people find him. It reminds me to trust his place.

So I interpret these verses with hope. With God’s plan, you will come face to face with fear. You will face challenges and tests. Growing up, I’ve learned that those challenges have a reason. You must face fear with opportunity, a way to grow or learn. So even though I am young, I hope you will join me as we step into the new year, with new challenges. Be brave and courageous and trust Gods plan, for his is the one that is best for you.