Preparing For The Year Ahead. Sermon 4: "Stepping Boldly Into The New Year” Joshua 1:9 Series

“Stepping Boldly into the New Year”

Stand with me and hold up your Bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible

I am what it says I am

I have what it says I have

I can do what it says I can do.

Today I will be taught more of the Word of God

I boldly confess:

My mind is alert,

My heart is receptive.

I will never be the same.

I am about to receive the incorruptible, indestructible, ever-living seed of the Word of God.

I will never be the same—

I’ll never be the same, in Jesus’ Name!

Amen.

Courage for the New Year

Every new year brings opportunity, but it also brings uncertainty. The enemy uses uncertainty to stir fear, hesitation, and delay. But God uses new seasons to call His people into bold obedience.

God never promised the path would be easy—but He did promise His presence.

Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Notice this: God didn’t say “If you feel strong and courageous.”

He said BE strong and courageous.

Why? Because courage is a decision, not a feeling.

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

Fear is not from God.

Hesitation is not from God.

Paralysis is not from God.

Boldness is heaven’s response to fear.

Standing at the edge of a bungee jump platform, fear screams, “Don’t move!”

But faith says, “Trust the rope.”

God’s Word is your rope.

His promises are secure.

And when He calls you to step—He has already made provision.

This year will not be defined by fear—it will be defined by faith.

Point 1: Overcome Fear With Faith

Fear is the enemy’s favorite tool because it keeps believers inactive.

Faith, however, moves us from intention to action.

Fear says, “What if it fails?”

Faith says, “What if God shows up?”

Fear magnifies the obstacle.

Faith magnifies the promise.

Every miracle in Scripture required someone to move before they felt ready.

Maria had a burden to start a small outreach ministry. Fear whispered:

“You’re not qualified.”

“People will judge you.”

“What if it doesn’t work?”

But she chose obedience over comfort. She took one small step—hosting a weekly outreach. God multiplied her obedience, and lives were transformed. What started with fear ended in fruit.

Identify one fear that has been holding you back.

Speak God’s Word over it daily.

Take one faith-driven step this week—even if your knees are shaking.

Faith does not wait for fear to disappear—faith moves anyway.

Point 2: Step Into Your God-Given Authority

Many believers live beneath their spiritual authority because they underestimate what God has placed inside them.

Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation…”

The gospel is not weak.

The Word is not limited.

And you are not powerless.

Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…”

God is not limited by your past, your record, or your resources.

A soldier doesn’t question his authority when he wears the uniform.

You are clothed in Christ.

You carry heaven’s authority wherever you go.

Declare out loud: “I walk in God’s authority.”

Refuse shame, silence, or spiritual intimidation.

Step boldly into conversations, callings, and opportunities God opens.

You don’t go alone—you go authorized.

Point 3: Trust God’s Power, Not Your Own

Boldness is not self-confidence—it is God-confidence.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

God never asked you to rely on your strength.

He asked you to rely on His presence.

John felt called to lead a community project but doubted his abilities. He prayed, surrendered the outcome, and stepped forward in obedience. God provided resources, helpers, and favor—and the project impacted hundreds.

Surrender your limitations to God.

Pray daily for courage and clarity.

Obedience today builds boldness for tomorrow.

God’s power shows up when your strength runs out.

Point 4: Boldness Opens Doors of Opportunity

Fear keeps doors shut.

Faith pushes doors open.

God often places opportunities just beyond your comfort zone.

Peter walked on water—not because he was fearless—but because he fixed his eyes on Jesus. When fear took over, he sank. When faith led, he walked.

Identify one door God may be opening this year.

Speak daily declarations of faith.

Encourage others—bold faith multiplies when shared.

Bold obedience creates divine momentum.

Point 5: Live Boldly With Purpose

Boldness without direction is recklessness.

Boldness guided by God is purposeful power.

When your steps are aligned with God’s will, your life produces lasting fruit.