A good friend was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer that had already spread.
Her treatment involved chemotherapy, surgery, and then more chemotherapy. A few hours after I received this news, a close friend called to say he was struggling professionally. A door closed for him at his current position, leaving him with an uncertain future.
Both friends faced navigating unchartered territory. Both used the word scared when conversing with me. Fear is a normal human reaction. I shared God’s words to Joshua with them.
Of all the commands God gives in the Bible, “Do not be afraid” is used most frequently. This command appears in this particular section of Scripture more than in any other place and relates to the time when the Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness as they made their way to the Promised Land. God always gave specific instructions to them, knowing fear would spring up in their hearts. And He included this phrase in every direction.
After forty years, God called Joshua with these words. Joshua may have been frightened, but he trusted God’s words as he led the people into battle. And he became a strong and courageous leader.
Like Joshua, God may charge us with a difficult situation—a wrong diagnosis, job loss, a parenting crisis, the loss of a marriage, or the death of a loved one. We can memorize and repeat this verse often to help us proceed with faith, strength, and courage.
God will give us the strength we need to face each day. He will strengthen us as we move forward, holding us firmly. He will never let us go.
When new situations come into your life, what is your first reaction? Be encouraged and run to the Father, who knows and sees you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and darksouls1.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Kathy Martin-Stricker is a writer.