Do Not Fear

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Joshua stood on the edge of the Land of Promise facing the giants, fortified cities, and great armies that stood between him the promises of God. Here was a huge opportunity but great challenges. Really, an impossible situation, and I’m sure he had fear. If he didn’t have fear, then why did God show up and command him to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified.” The job God had given him was much too great for him and the people of Israel. Jesus constantly had to exhort his disciples not to be afraid. Why were they always fearful? Were they weak? I don’t think so. These were seasoned men in life who had faced lots of things. No, they faced fear because Jesus put them in impossible situations that were outside their control because He wanted to teach them to trust in him.

I spoke with a young man tonight at church who had always been able to have good jobs and make good money. Recently, he was out of work for about a year, and despite all his education, skills and effort, he could not find a job and lost his house and both his cars. The same God that showed up with Joshua, the same Jesus that spoke to the disciples in the tempest on Galilee, “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” This young man learned trust through the things that He suffered. God put him in an impossible situation to learn to trust Him.

In 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 Paul made a declaration, “But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” In the midst of some of God’s greatest opportunities there are the greatest challenges and sometime opposition. Paul faced great opposition in Ephesus where one of the greatest revivals in early church history took place, so that “all those in Asia, heard the word of the Lord” and “the word of God grew mightily and prevailed.” It prevailed over the worship of Diana, idolatry and witchcraft that bound a city and a people group.

We face grave and challenging times that are going to try many of us. We may face what seems like insurmountable situations. The giants of opposition may seem too great and the storms of life may be swirling around us. Just as with Joshua and the disciples, God wants to show up and say, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” The place of greatest challenge is the place of greatest opportunity, where God can show His power and fulfill His promises.

May you see the greatness of God in your situation today and know that He is with you. He does not take you where He cannot deliver you, and may He use you for His glory.

Andy Clark
www.andyclarksdevotionals.blogspot.com, www.worldhorizonsusa.org