Becoming Strong and Bright

Judges 5: ³¹ “So may all your enemies perish, Lord!
    But may all who love you be like the sun
    when it rises in its strength.”

Then the land had peace forty years.

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After speaking to the dean I was allowed back in school on special probation.  I focused and got on the dean’s list with great grades. I was at peace. After graduating tried hanging out with the “fun crowd, but something was missing.  I felt uneasy again. When I slowly started learning about GOD and what HE desires, I was at peace.

I started climbing the corporate ladder and ran into people who didn’t want me to succeed. I was uneasy. When I gave my career to GOD to do with it as HE pleased, I was at peace.

• Life is difficult and I face many obstacles.
• Life has some people who want me to fail.
• Life has situations that make me feel uneasy.

“What does peace look like?” I had to ask myself. Peace is a place that is devoid of worries, fear or doubt. It has joy and sometimes happiness. Peace is a place where I can actually see with clarity and feel free and fly high.

• GOD gives me peace when I focus on HIM.
• GOD provides so I can have peace.
• GOD gives me peace when I trust HIM.
• GOD protects so I can have peace.

Obstacles, trials and circumstances challenge my trust in the LORD. Each time HE delivers me, it makes me stronger and more dependent on HIM. HE makes me brighter and stronger which gives me peace.

• Are you restless?
• Are you confused?
• Can you face your problems with peace?
• Won’t you say to yourself “GOD is my peace” rather than focusing on the situation?

The LORD is ahead of me

Judges 4: ¹⁴ Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. ¹⁵ At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.

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“07734” were the numbers I used to type “hELL0” on the bulky calculator of the olden days! This was about the extent of my exposure to computers, yet the industry fascinated me. Four years later I entered college and felt overwhelmed. I didn’t even know where to get registered for my classes. Twenty years later I was the head of a department of technology people.

When I was going through school and entry level jobs, I had no idea what was in store for me. BUT GOD did.

• Sometimes I focus too much on the problems of today.
• Sometimes I want the obstacles to go away by themselves.
• Sometimes I think problems are much greater than they are.

If you would have told me I was going to be the head of a department when I received a letter from the dean stating I was no longer in school, I would have told you, “you are crazy!” BUT GOD said something much different than the problem I was facing at the time.

• GOD knows the plan HE has for me and it is good.
• GOD knows the obstacles I face and knows exactly how to strengthen me with them.
• GOD knows exactly how long to let a problem persist in order for me to fully understand HIS salvation in the matter.

Looking back, I can clearly see that it was GOD all along who was way ahead of me clearing my path. HE fought my battles and comforted me when I fell, over and over. HE taught me to pray for others especially those who do not like me and HE will fight all my battles. HE clears the way!

• Are you facing problems?
• Do you think you are alone?
• Can you look back on your life and see how GOD has worked in your life?
• Won’t you let HIM do marvelous things with your life by following HIS plan for you?

Is the obstacle a test?

Judges 3 These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan² (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):

³ the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. ⁴ They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.

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“Why am I not getting promoted?” ran through my mind on my second and a half job out of college.  It seemed like I would get hired, but not elevated.  “What’s the problem?” I asked someone.  They gave me some tips that I followed to the letter, still no promotion. In fact many people gave me tips here and there and nothing happened.

Finally I met a few mentors who taught me how to face obstacles with resiliency. I got promoted.

• When I want things to come to me easy I have a wrong expectation.
• When I give up too early because it is too hard I have a wrong expectation.
• When I want to sit back and let the plan work itself out I have a wrong expectation.

Obstacles seem to pop up at the worst time and I used to think the Devil was the cause of problems and GOD was in charge of solutions, but I left one person out of the equation, me.

• GOD sometimes wants me to grow so HE places obstacles in my way that I can handle.
• GOD allows me to face the consequences of my sin here on earth so I won’t have to face eternal consequences.
• GOD uses obstacles to get my attention when I have forgotten about HIM or when I think I can survive on my own.

There is a way that seems right to me, but the way of the LORD is far above my thinking. Instead of running away from the obstacle, I must face it no matter how large it may seem because GOD has a plan for it.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you think GOD has left you on your own?
• Can you stop sulking about the obstacle for a moment and look to GOD’s power?
• Won’t you recognize where your talent and abilities come from and thank GOD for the gifts HE has given you?

GOD gives hope

Judges 2: ¹⁸ Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

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Staring out the windshield, my mind pleaded with the bus driver to move a little faster. It was cold and the bus was late so I could miss my connection. I could see the other bus loading passengers as our bus crept sluggishly to the stop.

I ran out waving my arms and hands to no avail. My friend and I had missed the bus and we had to stand there shivering for an eternity! A car horn blew at us. One of the teacher’s saw us and gave us a ride all the way to school. (You could do that back then). She rescued us at the right time!

• Sometimes things look bleak and I lose hope.
• Sometimes things look impossible and I lose hope.
• Sometimes the word passes me by and I lose hope.

There have been many situations in which it “seemed” like there was no hope. After whatever expectation I set in my mind wasn’t met, I would desire to sit in the corner balled up like a baby. Just when I lose hope GOD does something different.

• When I stop fretting I can open my eyes to who GOD delivered to rescue me.
• When I stop pouting I can open my eyes to see who GOD sent to help me.
• When I stop feeling sorry for myself I can open my eyes to see GOD at work on HIS masterful plan.

Troubling situations never feel good. They cause me to groan and moan like the best of them. BUT GOD has delivered me from so many troubling situations, I can hardly count them. HE leads me besides still waters. HE restores my soul.

• Are you worried about your situation?
• Do you find yourself in the same cycle of worry and deliverance?
• Can you break the cycle and put your trust in GOD for good?
• Won’t you tell someone about HIS deliverance?

My plan can only work one way

Judges 1:1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?”

² The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”

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“Swagger” was another term for arrogance in the business. As I sat back and observed the partners of the company, I noticed they were very tough and deliberate.  In an effort to model their behavior, I had to become tough, but something else emerged. I learned how to “self-promote” in a smooth and cunning way.

I began to believe in myself so I set off in the direction “I” dreamt of. After a while it seemed like the partners who I patterned my style after, turned against me. My plans fell apart. I wonder who I could have consulted.

• When I develop plans without GOD they fail.
• When I think I make my plans successful under my own strength I fail.
• When I doubt I need GOD and try things on my own I fail.

GOD wants me to consult HIM and ask HIM which way HE wants me to go. HE wants me to allow HIM to say “No” or “Wait” or “Yes” when I ask HIM for something. If my heart is aching over the answer then I am not giving GOD the room to do as HE pleases with my life.

• GOD wants me to believe HE has the best plan for me no matter how strange it may look.
• GOD wants me to share my belief publicly so HE can get the glory and draw people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIS plan and to quit sulking when things look bleak.

After asking and listening, I should act in total belief of GOD’s blessing. When GOD says “go” I need to be ready to do as HE says. I must admit, HIS methods seemed quite strange to me and HE had me do some things in a very strange fashion, but when I look back, I can definitely see how HIS kingdom will grow and how HE has grown me!

• Is your plan falling apart?
• Are you feeling exhausted?
• Can you consult GOD to see if HE is in your plan?
• Won’t you ask HIM for clarity today and accept HIS answer

Who will I serve?

Joshua 24: ¹⁴ “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

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Birds were chirping and the sun was shining bright in the sky.  I could hear the laughter from people outside, yet we were stuck in church listening to a guy hollering about something. As I tried to get comfortable to go to sleep, my mother looked at me with one of those looks. Man! “Why do I have to sit here while everyone else is outside having “fun!?” I immaturely thought to myself. Now that I’m older, I understand.

• Serving GOD is a choice not a sentence.
• Serving GOD is a choice not an inconvenience.
• Serving GOD is a choice not a forced relationship.

It’s real easy to go to another god when I’m looking to get my way. I mean I can find any other god to satisfy my desire for pleasure especially if it won’t tell me to have faith or trust in the unknown or will enable me to tangibly see a pile of money so I can have insurance and security. BUT GOD doesn’t work that way in my life.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM when I can’t see what HE’s doing.
• GOD wants me to love HIM when I don’t feel like loving.
• GOD wants me to choose HIM as a sacrifice rather than a duty.

It’s so easy to become a rotten scoundrel. That path seems to be open and wide and it seems like everyone on it is having “fun” and are “wealthy” and “getting away with it” whatever “it” is. BUT GOD wants something different for me. HE challenges me to stay on HIS path, guiding others back to HIM.

HE doesn’t want me to be nervous about the things of this world because HE holds all of them. HE would rather have me focus on HIM and all these things will be added to me.

• Who or what are you serving?
• Are you following GOD or following your own way?
• Can you trust HIM a little more today and let go of your problems?
• Won’t you let GOD put you back on HIS path?

GOD is still a jealous GOD

^{Joshua 23:14} “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. ¹⁵ But just as all the good things the Lord your God has promised you have come to you, so he will bring on you all the evil things he has threatened, until the Lord your God has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. 

¹⁶ If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you.”

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“What’s your sign?” was the confusing question of the unmentioned decade. Yes I’m old! Someone told me my “sign” and I didn’t think anything of it until the newspaper arrived. My horoscope said something in some futuristic kind of vague language that caught my attention. From then I looked at my horoscope wondering if “it” was going to tell me my future.

• I have made the mistake of placing superstition over GOD.
• I have made the mistake of putting my trust in winning the Lottery rather than trusting GOD.
• I have made the mistake of carrying around a lucky item rather than believing all blessings come from GOD.

Some of my superstitions even crept into church where I would treat the items with higher esteem than people. When I believed in a lucky or superstitious thing, it seemed like my wants and desires weren’t being met. How can I get my way?

• GOD says “Do not place any other god before ME” including lucky items or superstitions.
• GOD says “I will supply your needs” including food, shelter and sometimes money.
• GOD says “I will provide” including the right people, job, health and customers.

For me, I have to follow GOD.  It seems like I can’t even dabble in believing in a piece of wood or a cloth or even a printed book. I must believe in the word GOD has given to guide me along the way. The more I can follow HIS commandment of loving one another the better off I am.

• Are you following something that is not of GOD?
• Do you believe in something that GOD is not blessing you with?
• Can you drop your superstition or belief in luck and turn to GOD?
• Will you start trusting in GOD a little more today?

Ask before judging

Joshua 22: ¹⁵ When they went to Gilead—to Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh—they said to them: ¹⁶ “The whole assembly of the Lord says: ‘How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the Lord and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now? 

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²¹ Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel: ²² “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day.

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²⁴ “No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? ²⁵ The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you—you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no share in the Lord.’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord.

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Confused I sat pondering what I was going to talk about. I know just what they will want to hear about, “Sex.” I was pleased that I thought of my topic for this group of teens and was ready to tell them about everything they needed to here.

When we got together, they surprised me with questions about GOD and a closer relationship with HIM. I felt foolish!

• My assumption about other folk’s relationship with GOD is sometimes off the mark.
• My assumption that other people aren’t serving and I’m the only one doing the work is usually way off the mark.
• My assumption that other folks are serving wrong and I’m serving correctly is mostly off the mark.

Just because I’ve given up a certain sin doesn’t make me clean enough to look at another person like they are a worse sinner. GOD wants me to recognize what people are doing in HIS name and praise HIM that HE has more servants than anyone can count.

HIS kingdom is vast and I should not think HE is not in control of any situation. GOD will deliver!

• Are you judging someone?
• Do you think you are alone in service?
• Can you praise GOD for what people are doing instead of judging their efforts?
• Won’t you join in with someone helping them worship the way they worship GOD?

HE never fails

Joshua 21: ⁴³ So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. ⁴⁴ The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. ⁴⁵ Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

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Looking back on several times in which I have cried out to GOD, I realize HE has always been there for me. Through robberies, violence, abandonment, slander and prejudice, GOD was right there protecting me. Personally I don’t see why HE does what HE does.

• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I sin.
• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I don’t trust HIM.
• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I blame HIM for the mess I got myself in.

I can’t pinpoint an individual situation that would illustrate a lesson I’ve learned about trusting GOD. All I know is GOD brought me through some very difficult times which leads me to trust HIM more. I mean, at some point I have to grow up and truly trust HIM.

• GOD said to me “I will bless you.”
• GOD said to me “I have a plan for you to prosper, not to harm you.”
• GOD says to me “I will give you hope.”

GOD knows the turmoil I will face on this earth. HE is the one who cursed it so HE knows I will have battles. BUT GOD wants me to rest. HE desires that I have peace. HE cherishes my relationship with HIM so HE keeps HIS promises with me.

• Do you know GOD has a wonderful plan for you?
• Can you believe HE wants you to prosper in HIS way and in HIS time?
• Won’t you look back on your life and remember the many times HE brought you through trouble?
• Can’t you trust HIM a little more today?

A place of rest

Joshua 19: ⁴⁹ When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, ⁵⁰ as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there.

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Job number three got off to a rocky start. My boss was a jerk and I wasn’t enjoying the work. Will I ever find the perfect job?  I took a leadership class and the one statement that still sticks out in my mind is “Make the place where you are at the best place and it will become the best place.”

When I finally stopped complaining, the job became the best job of my career. I found my place.

• When I think I’m in the wrong place I can’t get past the problems that arise.
• When I fester over how terrible I’m being treated I can’t see what’s right.
• When I critique every action in a place, I can’t contribute to making things right.

It seems like I get extremely restless when I think I’m in the wrong place. I dream up what it would be like if I were somewhere else and that gives me no rest. In fact my mind goes to war with my surroundings and I quickly fill my mouth with complaints. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD keeps HIS promises and takes me into the Promised Land in spite of me.
• GOD allows me to see HE is the one I should be looking at rather than the place I’m in.
• GOD leads me to a place of rest once I put my mind on HIM rather than looking at the place.

When I am nervous, scared, anxious, worried, doubtful, depressed, or lonely GOD says, “Come unto ME with your tired, heavy laden heart and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart and you will find rest unto your soul. For MY yoke is easy burden is light.

• Are you in a place of turmoil?
• Do you think it is your attitude rather than the place?
• Can you seek GOD for rest instead of trying to rest in the place you are in?
• Won’t you give GOD your burden and let HIM carry your problems?

It takes work

Joshua 17: ¹⁷ But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment ¹⁸ but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

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Sitting around moping that I didn’t get the job I stared at my work on my old job. It seemed even harder to do my job because I was on the brink of something new and didn’t get it. I really thought this job was going to be the pinnacle of my career. 

I got mad at GOD wondering why HE had me go through all of this waiting and juggling. My boss said, “I’m sorry you didn’t get the position, but you have a job to do here.” You mean I still have to work hard and perform?

• I sometimes make the mistake of thinking GOD is a genie who will grant me wishes instantly.
• I sometimes make the mistake of thinking GOD will make me successful without a painful process.
• I sometimes make the mistake of thinking GOD doesn’t care for me when I have to work hard to be successful.

Call it spoiled but can’t GOD just drop a pile of money in my lap and give me a life of ease? Yes, but HE doesn’t work like that in my life.  I have to work hard following HIS way.

• GOD says to me “Work will be hard on this cursed earth.”
• GOD says to me “If I don’t work I don’t eat.”
• GOD says to me “Come to ME heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

It would be naïve for me to think life will be easy. GOD’s plan includes obstacles for me to face and opposition to HIS kingdom. HE doesn’t want me to shrink into the corner, fearful of shadows rather HE wants me to get up each day ready to face what HE has in store for me. When I get tired HE provides me rest.

• Are you tired?
• Are you sick?
• Can you rest for a while and recharge in order to get back out there?
• Won’t you pace yourself to continue instead of burning out and being no good to anyone?

Too prideful to ask

Joshua 15: ¹⁶ And Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.” ¹⁷ Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

¹⁸ One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

¹⁹ She replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

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Sitting in my apartment I had finally hit rock bottom. Bills were mounting, I was not in school but should have been and to top it all off, I had been dumped! My escapades from the previous night made me question whether I should even pray or not. I mean, I seemed to have been too much of a sinner so maybe I shouldn’t ask for help.

• When I think for GOD I get in the way.
• When I am too ashamed to pray I get in the way of GOD.
• When I feel I can’t ask GOD for anything I may be getting too prideful.

GOD said “ask and you will receive.” I always felt a little nervous about that because I am scared of becoming greedy, but going to the extreme and never asking GOD for anything is probably just as bad. I want to be the giver, not the one who is in need.  And I certainly don’t want to admit I am a sinner because it points out even further that I don’t deserve favor!

• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD says to me “Ask and you will receive.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the poor in heart for they shall see ME.”

When I have too much pride or too much sin or too much fear I forget GOD has too much grace! GOD’s grace is sufficient so that blows away any excuse for me to come to HIM over and over and over confessing my sins.

GOD’s love is everlasting so that crushes any lie that says HE feels indifferent to me. GOD’s kingdom is everywhere and HE doesn’t mind if I ask HIM for what I need and believe HE will supply it.

GOD wants to bless me, in spite of me. HE didn’t wait for me to clean myself up before HE blessed me. In fact HE is blessing me right now in marvelous ways!

• Are you afraid to ask GOD for more than your needs?
• Are you ready to give in a greater way once HE does bless you?
• Can you recognize HE is blessing you even through your trials?
• Won’t you put aside your pride and ask HIM for what you desire?

Following GOD takes heart

Joshua 14: ⁶ Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. ⁷ I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. 

And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, ⁸ but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. ⁹ So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’

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“Won’t someone go with me?” the preacher exclaimed. Visions of animals standing around in muddy water flashed in my mind as I thought of what it would be like if I went to this far away country. I thought about the malnourished baby with the fly on its lip and dust and dirt. Fear came over me as I thought of what to do.

• Fear can make me miss out on a great journey GOD wants me to go on.
• Fear can make me look at things the wrong way.
• Fear can make me think the situation is too big and it can’t be changed.

Caleb went into the Promised Land and gave a good report when everyone else said it was bad. He followed GOD with all his heart and GOD wants me to do the same.  Sometimes it seems bleak BUT GOD sees it differently.

• GOD sees every bleak situation I’m in as a winner for HIM.
• GOD sees every obstacle I encounter as training to grow me stronger.
• GOD sees every painful circumstance I face as opportunities to expand and grow my heart to be more like HIM.

It takes heart to follow GOD.  HE knows what should and should not be in my life. Just when I think I have it made, HE adjusts my life and sends me in a different direction. GOD wants my whole heart and the more I choose to follow HIM the more HE rewards me.

• Is GOD calling you to do something incredible?
• Do you have fear?
• Won’t you give your fear over to HIM and let HIM guide you on your journey?

Facing fears

Joshua 11: ⁶ The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.”

⁷ So Joshua and his whole army came against them suddenly at the Waters of Merom and attacked them, ⁸ and the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel. They defeated them and pursued them all the way to Greater Sidon, to Misrephoth Maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah on the east, until no survivors were left. ⁹ Joshua did to them as the Lord had directed: He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots.

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My hands were actually shaking as I rifled through my note cards. I had never been on stage before, at least not with an audience this size. I kept thinking and overthinking what I was going to say. I knew my place on the agenda, but they changed it and I was on next. I’d like to say some miracle happened like the lights going out or an earthquake hitting the conference but nothing occurred.

I had to face my fear of ‘speaking to a large hostile crowd.’ “LORD, please give me the right words.” I prayed. Suddenly I had a sense of calm. The presentation went well and I was able to calmly handle the hostile questions.

• When I think about the thing I fear, my fear gets bigger.
• When I see no way out of a situation, my fear increases.
• When I postulate that I am defeated, my fear turns into a giant.

My mind can play some serious tricks on me when I have fear.  I seem to hear a conversation differently, picking out words that confirm my demise. Then I put fearful words in my mouth explaining to everyone why I can’t accomplish what is in front of me. BUT GOD has something different in mind.

• GOD wants me to face my fears because HE is with me.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for HIS strength instead of thinking I have to handle my fears with my own feeble power.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS plan and allow HIM to take care of the thing I fear, in HIS time in HIS way.

When I let go of the expectation of how things will turn out, then GOD can take care the thing I fear.

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you face what or who you are afraid of by asking GOD to take care of the situation?
• Won’t you let go of your fear a little by thinking about GOD’s power instead?

Do not be afraid!

Joshua 10: ²⁵ Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”

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Staring at the posting, I convinced myself I could not do the job! I mean it seemed too hard and I wasn’t that smart and besides… “what if I fail?”

• I will always be inadequate for a task when I am full of fear.
• I will always be wrong for the job when I am full of doubt.
• I will always be wondering when will I become successful if I never try something out of my comfort zone.

Every time I said “It’s too hard, or I can’t possibly achieve that” I am defeated before I start. I then wonder, “What would have happened if I had tried whatever I didn’t try.” Fear holds me down!

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid” because HE is with me!
• GOD says to me “Do not be discouraged” because HE is the one with infinite resources.
• GOD says to me “Be strong and courageous” because my weakness is strength as long as I lean on HIS might! 

I can’t trust in my own abilities, knowledge, or talent.  It is GOD who raises humans up to the positions they strive for so my fear of failure is unwarranted. I must put my trust in GOD and let HIM fight my battles and HE will win and make me prosper.

• What is holding you back?
• Are you fighting a battle that GOD should fight?
• Do you think you can win with your own wit or strength?
• Won’t you believe that GOD will deliver you?
• Can you recognize GOD’s might and seek HIS power?

Consult GOD first

Joshua 9: ¹⁴ The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. ¹⁵ Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

¹⁶ Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living nearthem. ¹⁷ So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. ¹⁸ But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.

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“Nine weeks will be a short assignment that would enable me to pick up a ton of cash and I can still perform the functions of my business” I greedily said to myself. I thought about what I would do with the cash and then I began planning.

Once I actually started working I realized I was in the worst assignment of my career. The atmosphere reeked of blame and deception. As I sat on the edge of my bed at 3:00 AM I realized I made a huge mistake.

• When something looks too good to be true for me, it usually is.
• When I look at things from a “monetary gain” perspective I usually fail.
• When I think about a plan from a “personal gain” angle I usually fall flat.

Many times I have run off with a plan and have not consulted GOD. These plans sometimes make it pretty far but then come crashing down to the ground with painful consequences. When I wake up in pain I blame GOD asking HIM “Why did YOU let me fail?”

• GOD wants me to consult HIM first before I make my plans.
• GOD wants me to ask HIS permission and allow HIM to say NO.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom, HIS power and HIS strength, for no plan can prosper without HIM.

The caveat to consulting GOD is I have to perform above the level otherwise HE will turn HIS back on the plan. I must respect everyone associated with the plan and listen to GOD intently. I must accept HIS timing and methods which can be long and scary. I must trust GOD.

• Are you planning something?
• Have you asked GOD “what do you want me to do?”
• Are you staying on the course HE has laid out for you?
• Won’t you ask HIM what plan HE wants for you instead of asking HIM for help on “your” plan?