Don’t Be Afraid and Don’t Quit
At a fearful time in the life of Joshua, God gave him a charge that is relevant to believers today. In it is this inspiring statement:
“Be not afraid neither be dismayed.” (Joshua 1:9)
The encouragement found in this statement has never been more needed than in today’s intimidating environment. Compounding personal problems and perplexities is the fact our nation is in a state of flux. Former foundations proven to be substantial are being eroded. Uncertainty leads to unsettlement.
The Greek word for fear is “phobos.” When spelled with an “a” as a prefix it means without fear or fearless. The source of all blessings has instructed us not to fear. The God who said “Let there be light” also has said, “Fear not.” If He was capable of making light, the sun, the moon, and the stars, He is capable of your care, and the meeting of your needs. How big is your God? Consider the galaxy Andromeda. It is larger than our Milky Way. It is but one of one hundred million galaxies. Echoing through the vastness of that space are His words that are applicable to you at this critical time, “Fear not.”
Jesus is lovingly offering you a set of circumstances which, if responded to properly, will build in you character that is pleasing to Him and profitable for you.
You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. In doing so, you reveal your character. The Greek word for man, anthropos, means “the up-looking one.” The God of the one hundred galaxies is deserving of being looked up to.
Trust Him and give Him time to be God. Often He has us in a holding stage in order for us to exercise the antidote to fear, faith.
Then He said, “neither be dismayed.” The word means don’t give up. At the time they were already inclined to give up. If you for any reason are there, nor or at any time near there, don’t be dismayed, don’t quit. Just when they were about to abandon their mission and quit, God said, “Don’t give up.”
Everybody inevitably has losses and defeats. God uses them to redirect the believer in a productive way, so don’t be dismayed, don’t give up. He will help you find another way. All the trials you go through in life are making you stronger. You will see God working in your life if you’re a Christian and don’t quit following Him.
When Joshua and his people suffered a humiliating defeat at the small town of Ai, it would have been an easy time to give up. Heading the charge and promises of God they went on to possess the land.
God admires faith and courage so very much that He makes Himself the constant companion of those who exercise them.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
May you be as emboldened as Joshua and they who abandoned themselves to God’s plan with their eyes on Him. They resolved, “All that you command us we will do…”
They had reason not to give us as is noted in the rest of Joshua 1:9: “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”