“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Uncertainty can breed fear in our hearts. Embedded in the future are challenges of all sorts. As a result, it is normal for us to take stock of our own abilities and resources as we wonder if we can handle what is to come. Moses had the same concerns for the children of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promise Land. He endeavored to encourage them just before his death. At this point in his life, he is 120 years of age. His work is complete in God, and now being handed over to Joshua. In this new season, they will enter territories given by God as their promised possession; however, it will involve engaging in wars with enemies much stronger and more numerous than they. Yet, Moses exhorts them to, “Be strong and courageous.” The point is they were to place their confidence for mission success in God; not in horse, shield, nor buckler. As long as they followed God for their future, he would be their hope and victory. He would fight for them and through them.
Moses words should also strengthen our faith. Because of Jesus, we should have no fear or dread of the future, nor the trials that we will encounter (Mt 28:20). Submitting to the will of God and following his path for our lives vanquishes fear and worries. Why? Because He has given you and I a promise: His presence and power abides with us forever. He will never leave nor forsake us. Remember, there are no detours around the future, but only the path through it. Trust in God and step forward in his plan for what lies ahead that is found only in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com