Fear Factor

From the mountain he looked down and saw the multitude of people he was supposed to command. His was the greatest task a man from his nation had ever faced. He had to lead approximately 2 million people to take over land from nations bigger and stronger than his; nations that had walled cities and powerful armies.  Joshua’s heart melted with fear as he contemplated the insurmountable challenge before him. In all his life he was Moses’ helper, obeying his instructions and executing his commands, which came directly from Yahweh himself. His master, leader, father, sensei was now dead and he had to unwillingly pick up the baton and succeed in what the man he looked up to had failed to do, transition the Israelites from the wilderness they had been in for 40 years into the land promised to them. Being a military leader he knew to even remotely have a chance of succeeding he had to have several strategic plans to work with. Joshua had none.

This is the reason that he had to be encouraged four times to be strong and courageous. First by Moses, twice by the Lord and lastly by the people who looked upon his leadership.  Looking at natural circumstances, he couldn’t do it. His only source of encouragement and strength was one; the promise of the Lord Himself.  The Lord himself had told him that he would cross the Jordan and take over the land. All the kings in Canaan, all the kings’ horses, all the kings’ fighting men were insignificant compared to the Word from the King of kings. All the giants in the land did not have the last word after the Alfa and Omega had spoken. No walls were too thick to stop the voice of the Lord, mountains melt like wax at his command. This is the assurance that Joshua needed to get his feet wet and start matching towards his destiny.

In life, we often find ourselves in the circumstances that Joshua found himself in that day. The guides that we look up to are gone, we find ourselves with challenges in which we’re inexperienced and ill equipped to handle and we find ourselves having to step up in difficult leadership positions. In such times we’re to remember the promises that we have in the Word of God. Promise of a hedge around us to protect us from our enemies, promise of wisdom from above which is incomparable to none, promises of resources from the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, promises of being satisfied with a long life filled with purpose and many more promises hidden like gems in the Word of God.  Those are the times to step out because that’s when God shows off how He’s prepared and equipped us to charge into our destiny.

What would you step out to do today if fear wasn’t a factor? What would you step out to do if you were certain of victory?By all means step out and do it, because there’s no reason to stay in the wilderness when the land has already been handed over to you. All you have to do is listen to His instructions, step out, get your feet wet and by all means fight, for the battle has already been won. Fear is useful as it helps us weigh the facts, consider all the scenarios and not act rashly but with wisdom. Fear acknowledges that moving into our destiny isn't going to be easy, but fear shouldn't stop us from crossing the river. Fear has an antidote, it's called faith. Faith established in the Word of the Omnipotent God is enough to achieve results, regardless of our fears.

Joshua 1