(Joshua 1:9) “I’ve commanded you, haven’t I? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be fearful or discouraged, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(Judges 6:15-16) “Right…,” Gideon responded. “Sir, how will I deliver Israel? Look—my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I’m the youngest in my father’s household.” The LORD told him, “Because I’ll be with you, and you’ll defeat Midian—every single one of them!”
(Psalms 34:7) “The angel of the LORD surrounds those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
(Isaiah 41:10) “Don’t be afraid, because I’m with you; don’t be anxious, because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I’m truly helping you. I’m surely upholding you with my victorious right hand.”
Do you feel alone when facing challenges? Do you think that no one, even God, simply does not care? Sometimes we feel that all our sacrifice, hard work, keeping ourselves away from the pleasures of the world, and even quietly taking the abuse from others is really for nothing. We even at times wonder if God really exists.
These negative thoughts alongside many others are very common for anyone that is truly holding the hand of the Master. However, He knows this and has given us promises to encourage us in His Word. I believe there are approximately 365 verses in the Bible talking about not having fear and the reasons why. That is one for each day of the year. I think this shows us that God is in control and knows what He is doing.
God knows exactly what or whom you are facing on a daily basis. He is aware of your struggles and is right there with you to make sure that you come out victorious. All He asks of you is to trust Him by being strong and courageous to face the giant, the army, the sickness, the opposition, the mockery, and even some of your closest friends when it comes to keeping His commandments. You might not see it, but there are thousands of angels around you, every time you chose to be courageous and move forward with God in any area of your life.
We see in the Bible over and over again, how simple men and women, full of courage changed the course of history for the people of God. Moses was courageous to defy Pharaoh and his whole army; Joshua brought down the walls of Jericho just by shouting praises to God; Gideon defeated 135,00 men of the Median Army with only 300 courageous men of God, and Elijah challenged and killed 450 prophets of Baal. But like many of these great men of God, they initially doubted, had no courage, and were scared and weak in their spirits when asked by God to move forward.
Do you think they accomplished all these and many more victories on their own? No, all they did was continue to obey God’s commandments in times of adversity, and the heavenly armies of the Lord did the rest. All you have to do is to be strong and courageous, knowing that Jesus is standing right by your side and there are thousands and thousands of angels standing behind you.
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the conquest of it!
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, You are the one Who’s dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. There will be no end to Your kingdom.
• Thank You for the assurance that no matter what we are facing, we are not alone.
• Thank You for the thousands of angels deployed around us for protection and spiritual warfare.
• We know Your promises are true and that we are victorious through Jesus.
• We receive right now the strength You are providing for us and we cancel every spirit of fear and anxiety in Jesus’ name.
• We declare that we will be strong and courageous to keep Your commandments no matter what the challenges.
• We receive Your deliverance right now.
• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty name. Amen