“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…” Joshua 1:9
In case we missed it the first time, or in my case, a million times, God in His steadfast love and kindness gently reminds us again… we have nothing to fear! And here in this passage, I feel like I hear God saying, “Don’t just hear what I am saying, it’s time to live it out! I am telling you to walk fearless, with the strength and courage that I have given you!”
Sadly, walking in fear may be more common among followers of Jesus in our culture than walking in peace. How did we get here? Why do we always go back here?
I am not sure I know how to answer either of those questions, but I am ready to say NO MORE! I am ready to be strong and courageous in Him! To take God at His Word that I have nothing to be afraid of! And to live in that peace with my brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage me to stay there, because it is who I am. It is who you are in Christ… a person of peace!
I am ready to replace all the spaces and places that fear tried to claim in my life, with the peace of Christ that belongs there!
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Will you join me there today… and the rest of our days?
Reflection:
- Peace or fear? Which one best describes you? Our culture? The church?
- What do you do when you recognize that you are operating in fear rather than the peace of Christ?
- Are you ready to say NO MORE to fear? If so, will you consider telling a friend and inviting them to help you stay there?
Pray through the truths of Ephesians 6:10-17.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.“
