What would you do if fear weren’t holding you back? In this message from Sunday, March 22, 2026, continuing the “Keys to a Victorious Life” series, Pastor Linda Reese walks through the book of Joshua and shows how God helps us move forward, even when we’re afraid.

Be strong and courageous

God asked Abram to leave everything he knew (Genesis 12:1). Later He told Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land. God’s instructions were simple: keep His Word close, day and night, and don’t be afraid.

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

We can do what God asks even if we have to do it afraid. God doesn’t always take us around the deep water, but He promises to go through it with us (Isaiah 43:2).

Don’t fear new places

As Israel prepared to cross the Jordan, they were told to follow the ark, “for ye have not passed this way heretofore” (Joshua 3:4, KJV). A new job, a new home, a new baby, a new church: we haven’t been this way before either. If we follow God, He will lead us where we need to go.

Your past doesn’t cancel your future

Rahab had a dark past, but she hid the spies Joshua sent to Jericho, and her family was spared (Joshua 6:17). She is named in the family line of Jesus (Matthew 1:5). Paul, who once persecuted Christians, wrote about “forgetting those things which are behind” and reaching forward (Philippians 3:13). God has forgiven us. We can stop living in regret.

Love God with enthusiasm

Joshua urged the people to love the Lord and serve Him with all their heart (Joshua 22:5). Romans 12:11 tells us not to be lazy but to be “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Don’t wait to see how you feel on Sunday morning. Decide ahead of time, like David: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1).

This week

Name one thing fear has kept you from doing. Read Joshua 1:8–9 each morning this week, and take one step toward it, trusting God to go with you.

Sometimes the brave step is walking through a church door. We’d love to see you on Foster Dr on Sunday. Plan your visit.