Strong and Courageous: God’s Promise in the Face of Fear

The Old Testament book of Joshua opens with a daunting moment. Joshua had to step into the role of leadership after Moses, the great servant of God, had died. The weight of leading the nation of Israel into the promised land must have seemed overwhelming – likely an impossible task for any man.
But God gave Joshua a promise that has encouraged countless believers ever since: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).
In this single verse, God gave Joshua – and us – four principles to carry us through moments when life feels too heavy, the obstacles too great, or the future too uncertain.

God Never Commands the Impossible
“Have I not commanded you?”
When God directs us to a task, He provides the strength to fulfill it. Joshua could lead Israel because God had commanded him to do so. Likewise, God will never put us in a situation where faithfulness is impossible. Paul reminded the Corinthians: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). This means God knows our limits better than we do. He calls us not according to our weakness, but according to His strength (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Strength Comes from Trust in God
“Be strong and of good courage.”
Joshua was not told to be strong in himself, but in the Lord. Real courage is not bravado, but trust in God’s promises. Paul told Timothy, who struggled with timidity: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). When facing a spiritual battle, we are called to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). We can move forward with confidence because God equips us with His strength. As Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).
Fear Can Be Conquered
“Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed.”
God acknowledges our fears – He knows that we often feel inadequate, anxious, or overwhelmed. But He calls us not to dwell in fear, but to trust His presence and move ahead even though we are afraid. David understood this when he declared: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). We will feel fear, but faith can help us move ahead in spite of fear when we remember who walks beside us.
God’s Presence Makes the Impossible Possible
“For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
This was Joshua’s greatest assurance. He was not alone – God Himself went with him. No enemy, no barrier, no trial could remove God’s presence. Paul echoed this truth from his own experience: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). And Jesus promised His disciples: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). When God goes with us, we can take the next step – walking “by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 10 – The Ketef Hinnom Scrolls

In 1979, archaeologists uncovered two tiny rolled silver scrolls in a tomb from the First Temple period at Ketef Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem’s Old City. Dating to around 600 B.C., these are the oldest known surviving texts of a Bible passage.

Written in Paleo-Hebrew script, each scroll contains quotations that parallel with astonishing accuracy Numbers 6:24-26, the priestly blessing, which reads in the NKJV:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”

These inscriptions predate the Dead Sea Scrolls by centuries, confirming that this text was already in use in Israel before the Babylonian exile. They provide strong archaeological evidence for the early transmission and preservation of the text of the Bible.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 9 – The Erastus Inscription at Corinth

The Erastus inscription is a first-century Latin pavement engraving discovered in Corinth in Greece in 1929 during excavations by the American School of Classical Studies.

It was found in a paved square near the theater, with the Latin words carved directly into the stone pavement. The style of lettering and archaeological context date it to the mid-1st century AD, aligning with the time when Paul wrote his letters from Corinth.

It reads: “Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid (this pavement) at his own expense.”

This matches Paul’s mention of “Erastus, the treasurer of the city” in Romans 16:23 (NKJV). In Roman municipal life, an aedile was a civic official responsible for public works and finances — a role consistent with Paul’s description.

The stone strengthens the historical reliability of the New Testament by tying a named individual in Scripture to a real, archaeologically verified public official in the same city and period.

It’s a tangible reminder that the people Paul worked with were part of the real social and political life of their cities, and that the message of the Bible is grounded in real history – not fiction.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 8 – The Synagogue of Capernaum

Synagogues from the time of Jesus have been uncovered by archaeological excavations, including remnants of an ancient one in Capernaum. These were central places of worship and learning for the Jewish people.

Excavations in Capernaum have revealed that beneath the remains of a later synagogue are the lower sections of an earlier one. Humble basalt stones used for the foundation of the earlier assembly place have been dated to the early first century A.D., which aligns with the inspired accounts of Jesus teaching and healing in this very place.

Mark reports Jesus’ activity there: “Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught” (Mark 1:21 NKJV; see also Luke 4:31–33).

These discoveries confirm the New Testament picture and remind us that Christ’s message was heard in everyday settings, among real people, and that His mission was ultimately to bring spiritual healing.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 7 – The Ruins of Bethsaida

During the last thirty years, archaeologists have made some remarkable discoveries at Bethsaida, the ancient fishing village near the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. These discoveries show that Bethsaida was a thriving village and help us understand the history of the New Testament better. They’ve found Roman-era buildings, fishing tools, pottery and “Herodian lamps” that were only made in Jerusalem prior to A.D. 70. This matches what the accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell us about Bethsaida being the hometown of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44), and a place of important events in Jesus’ ministry, like healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26) and the area where He fed the 5,000 (John 6:1-14).

The discoveries in the area of ancient Bethsaida give us a clearer picture of the real world of first-century Palestine and help us visualize the very places where Jesus and His apostles walked, taught, and healed.

Some of Jesus’ harshest words were aimed at this city, because the people failed to recognize the magnitude of what was happening there at the time: “Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you'” (Matthew 11:21-23 NKJV). This suggests that greater opportunity brings with it a higher level of accountability, and calls us to be more attentive to the evidence that is available to us today.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 6 – The Ossuary of Caiaphas

In 1990, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery in a burial cave south of Jerusalem – an ornate limestone box, or ossuary, inscribed in Aramaic: “Joseph son of Caiaphas.” This Joseph is believed to be the high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial, as referenced in John 18:13-14 (NKJV): “Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.”

This ossuary provides a tangible connection to a pivotal figure in biblical history. It also offers us a striking contrast: the earthly high priest, Caiaphas; and the “great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Heb. 4:14).

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 5 – The Pilate Stone

Pontius Pilate played a pivotal role in the crucifixion of Jesus, yet Pilate’s existence was doubted by skeptics throughout history. However, in 1961, archaeologists unearthed a significant artifact— a stone discovered in Caesarea Maritima inscribed in Latin with the words “Pontius Pilate… Prefect of Judea” – also known as the “Pilate Stone.” This discovery decisively confirmed the historical reality of the man who famously washed his hands of Jesus’ fate. As Matthew 27:2 (NKJV) recounts, “And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”

The inscription of Pilate’s name in stone serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity of the Gospel Accounts. It underscores that these inspired biographies of Jesus are firmly grounded in historical fact, not mere legend or myth. The discovery of the Pilate Stone reaffirms our faith in a Savior who not only lived, died, and rose again but also left a tangible mark on the pages of history.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 4 – Jericho’s Fallen Walls

The story of the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6 is one of the most well-known accounts in the Bible. It provides a remarkable example God’s power and grace; and the faith and obedience to God’s plan that He expects of us in response.

The event has also been a focal point for critics questioning the historical accuracy of Scripture. Yet, archaeological evidence continues to affirm the biblical narrative.

In the 1930s and again in the 1950s, excavations in Jericho resulted in remarkable findings. Archaeologists uncovered walls that appeared to have collapsed suddenly, an event consistent with the biblical account of Joshua’s conquest. Layers of burnt debris were discovered, suggesting a swift and destructive event that matches the account in the book of Joshua.

The Bible records: “So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened… that the wall fell down flat” (Joshua 6:20 NKJV). The NT reaffirms: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days” (Heb. 11:30).

While there is ongoing scholarly debate over the precise dating of these events, the physical evidence strongly supports the biblical story.

Archaeology does not establish faith, but such discoveries can bolster the confidence of believers, confirming that the ancient text aligns with the findings of modern research.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 3 – The “House of David” Inscription at Tel Dan

For decades, skeptics questioned the existence of David, comparing him to legendary figures like King Arthur. But that all changed in the 1990s.

In 1993, archaeologists found a broken stone inscription at Tel Dan in northern Israel. It specifically referred to events involving a ruler from the “House of David.” This was thought to be the first extra-biblical mention of King David, and was written just a few generations after his life.

The Bible clearly describes David’s reign: “And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16 NKJV). Jesus was recognized as the promised Messiah, a descendant of David (see Matt. 1:17; Luke 1:32; John 7:42; Acts 13:22-23; Rom. 1:3).

The Tel Dan Stele confirms that David was real, his dynasty was real, and that the biblical account is based on history. It gives us confidence in what the Bible says – not just spiritually, but also historically.

Ancient Evidence, Living Faith: Exhibit 2 – Hezekiah’s Tunnel

Jerusalem was threatened with a siege during King Hezekiah’s reign. To prepare, Hezekiah ordered the construction of a tunnel to secretly bring water into the city.

One of his greatest accomplishments was rerouting water from the Gihon Spring on Jerusalem’s east side to the west, into a protected pool – an effort recorded in 2 Kings 20:20 (also in 2 Chronicles 32:2-4, 30). As 2 Chronicles 32:30 (NKJV) explains:
“This same Hezekiah also stopped the water outlet of Upper Gihon, and brought the water by tunnel to the west side of the City of David.”

In the 1800s, archaeologists rediscovered this remarkable tunnel – about 1,750 feet long and carved through solid rock. Inside, they found the Siloam Inscription, which describes how two teams of workers dug from opposite ends and met in the middle.

In 2007, more inscriptions found near the Gihon Spring were deciphered, adding further evidence of Hezekiah’s work.

This tunnel – still intact today – is not a legend. It’s a real, stone witness to both Hezekiah’s faith and his action. He didn’t just trust God; he obeyed Him. Faith and obedience went hand in hand.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel stands as powerful archaeological confirmation of the Bible’s historical reliability and a lasting example of faithful preparation in the face of danger. We are called to do the same – not just to believe, but to act with reliance on God.