Lent Day 4

Written by Rich Green

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

The reality of fear is that it is misplaced faith. We face adversity, we go through challenges and trials, come across obstacles. Instead of standing firm in faith, we find ourselves fearing the outcome. When we choose fear as our response, we are in essence putting our faith in the what-ifs of whatever we are facing.

Joshua faced a lot of what-if moments. As the leader of the Israelite army, he was someone who faced a lot of war, a lot of battles, and had the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the promised land after Moses’s death. Yet God called Him to not fear, but to choose faith. Why? Because God would be with him wherever he went. He didn’t say the temptation to fear would be absent, but in the midst of fearful situations to respond with strength and courage.

God is calling us to the same response. Will we fear the battles ahead or will we choose faith? Notice God didn’t tell Joshua to be strong and courageous in himself, rather He told him to be strong and courageous in the fact that God would always be with Him. Let’s not misplace our faith. Whatever we face, let’s walk by faith in Him and put the unknowns into His hands instead of the lies and doubt of fear. Trust in God’s faithfulness and that His will is good. Be strong and courageous, for whatever the battle ahead, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Lord, help me to to trust in You, no matter the obstacle I face. Let every adversity produce in me a deeper dependency and trust in You. Help me to see each circumstance and situation through eyes of faith in You. Thank You that You are always with me, and Your ways are always good. Amen.