Thomas Carlyle

Fear seems to be contagious. Ten of the twelve men who were sent to explore the land of Canaan came back with a fearful report, which caused the people to rebel against the Lord (Numbers 13 and 14).

However, courage is contagious as well. When God told Joshua that he needed to be strong and courageous as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua then encouraged the people to be brave. They responded with the boldness and courage necessary for the mission (Joshua 1).

Thomas Carlyle said, “Tell a man he is brave, and you help him to become so.”

Let us always take courage from the Lord, with the idea that we will in turn help someone else be courageous as well.