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Fear this

By Whitney Landers

“I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings; so the LORD shall do to all the kingdoms into which you are about to cross. Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.’" Deuteronomy 3:21-22 (NASB)

I love how this verse reminds us that with God as the leader of our battles, we have nothing to fear.

In this story, Joshua had already seen how the Lord fought for Moses in battle. Now the Lord was assuring Joshua of the same promise: “Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.” What encouraging news this must have been when Joshua was about to lead his men into battle! Since God promised to lead and protect them, they had nothing to fear.

Our battles may not be against godless armies, but they are just as real as Joshua’s. We know we are led and protected by the same God as Joshua was, so why do we often let fear come into our lives? Will this sickness go away? Is my job secure? Will I find a spouse? Will my family be safe? Will I overcome this hardship? When we look to ourselves instead of God to find victory, fear becomes an ugly part of us.

One of the most fearful, yet wonderful, times in my life was a summer when God called me to work in various government-run orphanages with Project Go, a one- to two-month missions experience through Buckner. Cold, dark hallways, stale air, tears, hunger. I was overcome with fear for these children: What will happen to them? Will they find homes? Will they be fed?

At first I allowed my fear to take the place of the Lord’s promises. However, Deuteronomy 3 reminded me that the Lord will fight for these children, and my fear was merely a result of not trusting in God’s promises.

This passage reminds us that we have nothing to fear with the Lord as our leader, guiding us through our battles. We live in a world that tells us to be fearful of the unknown, yet we are reigned by a God who has already overcome this world and promises to fight with and for us as we follow and obey him.

What areas of your life do you allow fear to take the place of God’s promises? Where in your life have you seen God fighting for you in your battles? Do you share that hope with others? Next time you start to fear, commit to reminding yourself of God’s promise in Deuteronomy 3.

Whitney Landers is the manager of strategic planning and special initiatives for Buckner. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for four years and recently welcomed their first baby, Hutchins. The Landers family is thankful to be a part of Buckner ministries.

Prayer of the Week:
-God, help us to fix our minds on you when we are afraid or overwhelmed. Let us find comfort in your promise to fight for us. Be with all of those who are living in fear today, and give them your peace which passes understanding.
 

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