Not Afraid
I remember when I was in college; my favorite job was working security detail. My job was a lot like a “night watchman” as I patrolled the campus looking out for the safety of my fellow students. I remember I had a two-way radio and some kind of clock. I had to go to different stations all over campus where a key was placed. The key would fit inside the clock box that I carried. It would show that I had “checked out” that particular area on campus. I learned to not be afraid of the dark at a pretty young age. I do remember a few instances where my friends would sneak out of the dorm and try to scare the crap out of me. It sometimes worked.
The Lord is giving His people some preparatory instructions about war as they go in to take possession of the Promised Land. Check this out…
1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: ‘Hear, Israel: today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be faint-hearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’ (Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NIV)
I really want to keep growing in my trust in the Lord. I want to be brave and strong in the face of the scariest circumstances. I want to keep my head because He has totally got control of my life and my circumstances. His Presence in my heart pushes out fear. I will not fear my God will come through – ALWAYS. I am not one of these folks that believe that if they “name it” then they can “claim it”. I believe that the Lord can do anything He wants or wills. I also believe that He wired me with some common sense and spiritual sense. I should not and don’t ever intend to manipulate the Word of God to say what I want it to say. I want to be brave in the face of suffering and trust Him to show me the way through suffering. As I go through suffering, He builds character and strength in me. If I try to escape, I will still probably suffer and won’t learn and grow because He wants to teach me through trials.
I’m not afraid of what is ahead because God is with me. He will walk with me through whatever I face. I will face my fears with Him. I will walk in the dark with Him. I will go wherever He leads me and not fear what may happen along the way.
Pressing On!
Dwayne