You Can’t Fish Where You Won’t Go (Courage That Moves)

Apr 25
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Joshua 1:9: Embracing Courage in the Outdoors

There’s a specific frustration that hits outdoorsmen: you know the fish are out there. You’ve got the gear, the time, and even a plan. Yet, you hesitate to go where you need to be.

Sometimes, it’s the long walk to the back side of the lake. Other times, it’s launching when the weather isn’t perfect. It can even be leaving the comfort of a familiar spot that hasn’t produced in weeks.

If we’re honest, that same hesitation shows up in our discipleship.

You can’t fish where you won’t go.

Not because God is harsh or because you’re failing. Growth requires movement.

Joshua 1:9 — Courage Isn’t a Vibe, It’s Obedience

Joshua 1:9 says:

“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.”

Joshua is stepping into leadership after Moses. That’s no small assignment. It’s heavy, public, and risky. God doesn’t give him a detailed map for every turn. Instead, He gives him a command and a promise.

Command: Be strong and courageous.
Promise: I’m with you wherever you go.

This pattern reflects much of our lives too. God often doesn’t remove fear first. He calls us to move with Him anyway.

The “Won’t Go” Places in a Man’s Life

Most of us don’t struggle with knowing the right thing. We struggle with doing the next thing.

The “won’t go” places aren’t always dramatic. They’re usually ordinary and personal:

A conversation you keep putting off
A habit you keep excusing
A step of obedience you keep delaying
A responsibility you keep avoiding
A spiritual discipline you keep “meaning to start”

Here’s the trap: we tell ourselves we’re waiting for the right time. In reality, we’re waiting to feel ready.

Discipleship doesn’t work like that. You don’t become courageous by merely thinking about courage. You become courageous by taking the next faithful step while your knees still shake.

God is Already in the Place You’re Afraid to Go

One of the best parts of Joshua 1:9 is the phrase “wherever you go.”

God isn’t only with you in safe places. He’s with you in:

The hard conversation
The awkward apology
The new routine
The first day you finally say “no more”
The moment you ask for help
The step you take when you don’t know how it’ll turn out

That’s why courage and obedience are tied together. Courage isn’t pretending you’re not afraid. It’s trusting that God is present enough to move forward anyway.

Take the Next Avoided Step

To make this real, do this in five minutes:

1) Write Down the Step.

Don’t keep it vague. Name it.

“I need to call ____.”

“I need to apologize to ____.”

“I need to delete ____.”

“I need to start ____.”

2) Shrink It to the Smallest Faithful Version.

If the full step feels huge, take the first inch.

Draft the text message.
Schedule the appointment.
Put the Bible on the table tonight.
Set the alarm 15 minutes earlier.
Ask a brother to pray with you.

3) Do It Today.

Not because you feel brave—because God is with you.

Small obedience is still obedience. And small courage is still courage.

Embracing the Outdoors with Faith

As Christian outdoorsmen, we often find ourselves in the wild, surrounded by nature's beauty. This connection to the outdoors can deepen our faith. Each fishing trip or hunting expedition can become a moment of reflection. Nature reminds us of God’s creation and His presence in our lives.

When we step into the wild, we can share our faith through our actions. Wearing Christian-themed fishing and hunting apparel can spark conversations. It allows us to express our beliefs while enjoying our passion for the outdoors.

The Call to Action

If you’ve been stuck, don’t beat yourself up. Just get honest. Ask God to show you the place you’ve been unwilling to go—and then take one step with Him.

Remember: You can’t fish where you won’t go. Embrace the call to action. Equip yourself with faith and courage, and let your outdoor adventures reflect your beliefs.

Bridging Sunday to Saturday

At Covenant Huntsman Apparel, our mission is simple: help Christian outdoorsmen carry their faith into everyday life—so the message doesn’t stay in church, and it doesn’t stay hidden.