Courageous Leadership: Leading with Strength and Faith

Scripture: Joshua 1:9 | Influence: Deborah

Courageous leadership is more than standing tall in battle or speaking with confidence—it’s about leading with unwavering faith, conviction, and strength in the face of challenges. The world often defines courage as fearlessness, but biblical courage is different. It’s not the absence of fear; it’s trusting God in the midst of it.

In Joshua 1:9, God commands Joshua:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

This command is not just for Joshua; it’s for every leader who desires to follow God’s calling. It reminds us that our courage does not come from our own strength but from the assurance that God is with us. One of the greatest biblical examples of this kind of courageous leadership is Deborah—a judge, prophetess, and military leader who fearlessly stepped into her role in a time when leadership was dominated by men.

Deborah: A Model of Courageous Leadership

Deborah’s story is found in Judges 4-5, during a time when Israel was oppressed under the rule of King Jabin of Canaan. As a judge and prophetess, Deborah was already a leader, but her greatest test of courage came when she was called to lead Israel’s army into battle.

1. Courage to Step Into Leadership

At a time when women were rarely seen in leadership, Deborah didn’t hesitate to fulfill the role God had given her. She didn’t wait for someone else to take charge—she answered the call. She sat under the palm tree of Deborah, where Israelites came to her for wisdom and guidance (Judges 4:4-5).

She didn’t let cultural norms dictate her role. Instead, she let God define her leadership. This teaches us that courageous leadership sometimes means stepping into a position that others may not expect us to take. It means trusting that if God calls us, He will equip us.

2. Courage to Speak Truth and Inspire Action

When Israel’s military leader, Barak, hesitated to go into battle, Deborah challenged him:
"Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you? Go, take with you ten thousand men... I will give him into your hands." (Judges 4:6-7)

Even though God had already commanded Barak, he hesitated, refusing to go into battle unless Deborah went with him. Many leaders would have stepped aside, but Deborah didn’t. She boldly declared, "Certainly, I will go with you. But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman." (Judges 4:9)

Deborah’s courage wasn’t just in her willingness to fight—it was in her confidence in God's promise. She didn’t allow doubt to paralyze her. Instead, she stepped forward, inspiring Barak and the Israelites to move forward in faith.

As leaders, we often encounter hesitation—whether it’s our own or that of those we lead. Courageous leadership means speaking truth and calling others to action, even when fear tries to hold us back.

3. Courage to Lead with Faith, Not Fear

Deborah’s confidence came from one source—God. She understood that victory wasn’t about military strength or human strategy; it was about obedience to God’s command. Judges 4:14 says, "Then Deborah said to Barak, ‘Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?’"

Her unwavering faith fueled her courage. She didn’t let fear dictate her decisions—she let faith lead her forward. Because of her leadership, Israel saw an incredible victory that day, as the enemy commander, Sisera, was ultimately defeated by another courageous woman, Jael.

In Judges 5, Deborah sings a song of praise, giving all glory to God. She didn’t seek recognition for herself—she understood that true courage comes from surrendering to God’s plan, not our own.

How Can We Lead with Courage Today?

Deborah’s story isn’t just an ancient historical account—it’s a model for how we can lead with courage today. Here are three ways we can apply courageous leadership in our own lives:

1. Trust God’s Presence in Your Leadership

Joshua 1:9 reminds us that we are not alone. God’s presence is what gives us the strength to lead courageously. Just like Deborah, we must trust that when God calls us, He will go before us.

When fear or doubt creeps in, remind yourself:

• God has called you.

• God is with you.

• God will equip you.

2. Take Bold Action Even When You Feel Unqualified

Courageous leadership isn’t about having all the answers or feeling fully prepared. Deborah wasn’t a warrior—she was a judge and prophetess. Yet, she stepped into a military leadership role because she knew God had called her.

Whatever leadership role you are in, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Step forward in faith, even when it feels uncertain. God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

3. Lead with Faith, Not Fear

Fear often paralyzes leaders. But faith moves us forward. Deborah led with faith, not fear, and because of that, an entire nation was delivered.

Ask yourself:

• Am I making decisions based on faith or fear?

• Am I trusting in my own ability, or am I trusting in God’s power?

• Am I calling others to action with confidence in God’s promises?

The world needs more courageous leaders—leaders who will stand firm in their faith, who will step into their calling with boldness, and who will trust God completely.

Final Thoughts: Be Strong and Courageous

Deborah’s story reminds us that courageous leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being a leader who trusts God completely. She stepped into a leadership role she didn’t expect, she called others to action when they hesitated, and she led with unwavering faith in God’s power.

As you reflect on Joshua 1:9, ask yourself:

• Where is God calling me to lead with courage?

• Am I trusting in His presence, even in difficult situations?

• How can I inspire and encourage those around me to take bold action?

Courageous leadership isn’t easy, but it is necessary. And the good news is—you don’t have to do it alone. God is with you.

Be strong. Be courageous. Lead boldly.