No Fear
As a child of the 90’s one of the things I chuckle at a bit is when I hear verses that talk about “Fear Not” or “do not be afraid”. Not because those verses are funny, but because when I was a teen, No Fear Gear was a big brand. I’m not sure it was ever trendy…I rarely fell into that category, but these T shirts and hoodies had slogans on them that would probably qualify as inspirational slogans or memes today.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
“You can’t steal second if your foot is on first.”
“Don’t chase your dreams, tackle them.”
“Don’t greet death, punch him in the throat repeatedly.”
“Winning silences your critics.”
“Go fast enough and the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.”
Under these quotes and many others it would simply say – No Fear
We are starting the book of Joshua in our Wednesday morning Bible study at 9:30. That book begins a massive tradition. Genesis through Deuteronomy goes from Abraham to the Wilderness. Joshua takes us into the Promised Land.
Joshua had to fill the shoes of Moses
Joshua had to go into the “land of giants”.
Joshua had to take an untested people from the wilderness onto the battlefield.
Joshua had a huge job ahead of him. I don’t think you could be mad at Joshua if he had some fear. You would probably call him a little crazy if he didn’t! But in Chapter 1, verse 9 God starts Joshua off with some great words.
“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
This is more than God’s encouragement to Joshua, it is His promise. Wherever Joshua goes, God will go with him. What ever odds Joshua faced, God would be next to Him. Who ever declared war upon Joshua declared war upon God as well.
What are you facing right now? Jesus makes you the same promise. He promised His disciple in the Great Commission that He would be with them always, even to the end of the age.
In Hebrews it is written that God will never leave you or forsake you. You will have many opportunities today to be afraid. Many times worry or anxiety will show its ugly face. That is not a sign of a lack of faith. Instead my friends it is an opportunity to introduce your fears to your savior.
God is with you, what do you have to fear?
See you Sunday and/or Wednesday
- Pastor Dan