The Library of Congress has a small box labeled “Contents of the President’s Pockets on the Night of April 14, 1865.” This was the day Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Inside the box is an embroidered handkerchief, a pocket knife, eyeglasses, and the president’s wallet. His wallet contained a $5 Confederate bill and, oddly enough, several newspaper articles reporting his great deeds.

We recognize President Lincoln as a great leader, but not everyone did during his day. He was as hated as he was loved. President Lincoln likely held onto those newspaper articles as a source of encouragement during the unstable and uncertain days following the Civil War.

The world in Joshua’s day was just as unstable and uncertain. But Joshua did not carry newspaper articles; he had something much better—the Word of God. In Joshua 1:8 God told him, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” God told Joshua that if he would keep the Word in his heart, it would give him the courage that he needed.

Joshua is a case study on courage, and chapter 1 of the book that bears his name gives us several characteristics of courageous people:

1. Courageous People Are Focused

Courage is not merely about being brave; it requires a deliberate action toward one’s goals. In Joshua 1:2 God provides Joshua with a clear directive: “Therefore arise, go over this Jordan.” This command represents a purpose that requires courage to accomplish. Joshua’s courage was connected to fulfilling the mission set before him by God. It takes more than just guts to achieve something; one must have the courage to follow God’s purpose for their life. The courage we are called to exhibit is tied to the purpose that God has given to each of us.

2. Courageous People Are Active

Joshua 1:3 says, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon.” This phrase illustrates that God’s presence does not imply a passive role for His people. Some people think that if God is to be with them, they will have nothing to do. Joshua and his troops had to slay every Amorite, Hittite, and Hivite who would fall in battle. Even when trusting in God, courageous individuals are willing to take active steps, engage in challenges, and work diligently toward fulfilling the tasks set before them.

3. Courageous People Are Dependent

Rather than relying solely on his abilities, Joshua recognized his dependence on God’s presence. Verse 5 says, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” God reminded Joshua that He would be with him. It is hard to imagine a greater encouragement than this. Courage is found in recognizing that God never calls us to do anything apart from Himself. There would be times for Joshua when the opposition would be fierce, the obstacles would be great, and opinions would be negative—but God would always be with him. Courageous people are people dependent on God.

4. Courageous People Are Teachable

Skim the life of Joshua, and you will find a pattern: He went at Moses’ instruction to spy out the land of Canaan (Numbers 14). He fought the Amalekites as a soldier serving under Moses (Exodus 17). He did as Moses directed and learned from his strong leader. Courageous people are teachable. Joshua 1:7 reads, “Do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee.” Joshua knew how to be a good follower. His willingness to follow showed true courage.

5. Courageous People Are Convictional

Verse 7 continues, “Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left.” Conviction drives courage. Joshua was driven by the mission and purpose that God had for him. Courage is cultivated by godly values and principles. He would not back down or give up when challenges came.

6. Courageous People Are Refreshing

Joshua became a man on a mission. Moses’ death left the Israelites feeling discouraged and unsure about their future. During this critical moment, God called Joshua to step into this role. By doing so, Joshua would encourage them, cheer them up, and fortify their hope. In verse 11, God tells Joshua to “Pass through the host” and prepare the people. This is because courageous people are refreshing.

7. Courageous People Are Patient

In verse 11 we read, “For within three days.” Waiting for God can be difficult, but patience always prepares us for His work. Patience is demonstrated when we endure delays without becoming anxious or frustrated. It takes courage to wait for God’s plan to unfold.

8. Courageous People Are Rewarded

At the end of verse 8, it says, “For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous.” Success is linked to following God’s Word and exhibiting courage. The word prosper does not promise a life without problems, but it does ensure a life able to deal with anything because it takes full advantage of God’s presence and promises.