Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 18-20; Psalm 91

Has the task ahead of you ever seemed bigger than you have the ability to conquer? Do you ever feel discouraged by everything that presses against us, making it hard to accomplish the mission to which God has called us? I am so grateful when someone among us stands us and reminds us that God is with us! He is fighting for us and His is the victory!

“When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’” – Deuteronomy 20:1-4

DO NOT BE AFRAID; THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU!

Our God is with us. He does not send us into the battlefield alone. He who has already won the victory goes with us, just like he crosses over ahead of us. He is behind us, beside, before us, and all around us. He does not leave us alone on the journey of obedience, and He does not forsake us when times get difficult.

“Today you are about to cross the Jordan River…But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised.” – Deuteronomy 9:1,3

DO NOT BE AFRAID; BE PREPARED FOR WHAT IS AHEAD.

This 20th chapter of Deuteronomy goes on as the leaders of the the Lord’s army asked some interesting questions:
• Is there anyone among you who is unprepared for the battle? Go home and do what you need to do to return ready for battle.
• Is there anyone among you who is afraid or worried? Go home before you spread a spirit of fear among those around you.
• Come expecting peace but ready for the fight.
• Get rid of the customs and philosophies of this world that would cause you to sin deeply against the Lord your God.
• Pick the fruit without cutting down the trees. Look for signs of growth and fruit without destroying the potential to bear fruit in the future.

Moses cautioned God’s people to consider if they had any unfinished business. Have you started something that needs to be finished? Did you plant something that has yet to be harvested? Did you make a promise that you need to fulfill? Get your house in order before you go into battle. Finish what you started, and be true to your word.

“Then the officers will also say, ‘Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.’ When the officers have finished speaking to their troops, they will appoint the unit commanders.” – Deuteronomy 20:8-9

DO NOT BE AFRAID; YOU WILL MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Often fear gets in our way of stepping into opportunities. When given the choice to return to safety or be used by God on the battlefield, how will we respond? What will it take for us to let go of worry, push away fear, and step into our purpose? What unfinished business do we need to settle in order to experience victory? May the Spirit speak to you through the words of Psalm 91 today:

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” — Psalm 91