Fortune Cookie Friday: Be Strong and Courageous
Have you ever been afraid? Or ever doubted yourself? Fear can shackle our feet. Doubt can drag us down. When you find yourself cowering in the dark, standing up to a bully, or heading in a new direction in life, there is something that can help. Today’s fortune about facing fear reminded me of this—and it came at just the right moment.
As always, I pulled my fortune cookie prompt blindly from a stack that I keep secured with a binder clip. It’s not quite as spontaneous as reading it right from the cookie, but those little treats carry extra calories that I don’t need.
I glanced down and read the words, “You are strong and brave, use these qualities to pull you through.” I read them again, and my mouth fell open.
The last few months have been a struggle. Between multiple jobs and volunteering, finding a moment’s rest—or making any plans for the future—has been difficult. I wear many hats, and sometimes I want to strip them all off and run free.
Unfortunately, responsibilities don’t disappear. I can’t just ditch work, family, and friends to hide in the woods. I have to finish the jobs I started and keep my promises—even when I feel like I might not be enough. That I may let someone down. Or worse, that I may break.
This simple fortune reminded me of Joshua 1:9 (NIV):
Joshua was tasked with leading the children of Israel into the promised land after Moses died. He had big shoes to fill. He had to claim the land, fight battles, and provide spiritual leadership for his people, who were doggone tired from wandering in the wilderness. I can’t imagine the weight of his task, but I can imagine the feelings. In his moments of doubt, God offered words of encouragement. Joshua held fast, and the people accepted him as their leader.
Our fortune says “brave” instead of “courageous,” and while the words are related, they aren’t identical.
Bravery is instinctive and defined as the absence of fear. It’s often spontaneous and adrenaline-fueled, and it doesn’t always require an underlying purpose. It comes from the Spanish bravo, meaning bold or untamed.
Courage is taking action despite fear. The act is a continuous stage of mental strength in the face of hardship. Courage comes from the Latin cor, meaning heart, and is internally motivated by a cause, belief, or goal.
Even after Moses’ guidance and studying the scriptures, Joshua doubted himself. Doubt doesn’t oppose faith—it’s part of it. Absolute certainty requires no trust. Faith, like courage, requires choosing trust in the face of uncertainty.
Joshua’s doubts were natural, but his faith helped him find courage. He just needed a reminder. And so do we.
When fear shackles your feet, or doubt drags you down, remember that you are not alone. Like Joshua, you may not feel ready for the challenges before you, but faith can help you find the strength to take the next step. Be strong. Be courageous. Have faith.
