When fear becomes overwhelming and the future looks uncertain, courage can feel out of reach. Yet Scripture reminds believers that God’s presence makes bold faith possible.
That truth lies at the heart of "Strong and Courageous: Timeless Truths to Conquer Fear, Crush Anxiety and Defeat Despair in an Uncertain World," a new 52-week devotional by Dr. Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. The book was released Aug. 13 in hardback, paperback and e-book editions by Ethos Collective, with the audiobook — narrated by White himself — forthcoming.
The devotional grew out of the "Every Single Word" chapel sermon series Dr. White preached from the book of Joshua during Cedarville University’s chapel services last year. Each weekly entry walks readers through Joshua’s journey of leading Israel with faith and obedience, combining reflection on Scripture with practical steps to cultivate courage in daily life.
“In moments of fear and uncertainty, it’s easy to feel paralyzed,” said White. “This book was born out of a desire to remind believers that real courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s confidence that God shows up when we cannot fight our battles alone.”
Joshua’s story, White explains, mirrors the struggles many face today: stepping into new roles, facing daunting challenges or wrestling with anxiety and doubt. By pointing readers back to God’s promises, White hopes to equip them to move forward with faith even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
“My prayer is that believers develop strong and courageous faith — faith that exercises courage like a muscle and is built one step at a time,” said White. “Through meditation on God’s Word and daily steps of obedience, I hope readers will move from fear to faith.”
Since 2013, White has served as Cedarville’s 10th president, leading the university through significant growth in enrollment, facilities and academic programs. A theologian and author, he has devoted his career to equipping young people to live out their faith with conviction. With "Strong and Courageous," White extends that mission to a wider audience, offering timeless encouragement for living boldly in an uncertain world.
"Strong and Courageous" is available now.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.