Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Making a Way When it Seemed Impossible

Exodus 14: ²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

 

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After the preincarnate JESUS went behind them and the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT did the same, Moses held up his hand with his rod and the Red Sea parted. GOD caused a wind to part the sea and the children of Israel walked on dry land.

 

My Observations:

• GOD dried up the ground so the children of Israel and their carts and cattle could easily cross.
• The Egyptians saw the Red Sea open and thought they could use GOD’s powerful miracle for their evil plan.
• Moses was obedient to GOD by holding up his rod.

 

The parting of the Red Sea is significant because it shows us that GOD is in control of impossible situations. Whether it was a mountain or a deep sea, GOD can make a way where it seems impossible.

 

Moses holding up his hand was a sign of total alignment with GOD. It was not his power that parted the sea, BUT GOD’s power. GOD made it easy for the children of Israel. HE dried up the ocean floor overnight. I believe GOD can do the same for impossible situations today. HE can change something that seems impossible overnight. GOD’s power is unstoppable!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE did with the Red Sea?
• Are you facing an impossible situation?
• Do you believe that GOD is in control of the impossible and HE can easily deliver you when you obey HIS plan?

Assurance from GOD

Assurance from GOD

Exodus 14: ¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

 

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Seeing the Egyptian army pursuing them, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD in fear. GOD spoke to Moses and said what HE would do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew the people were scared and did not scold them for it.
• GOD asks Moses a leadership building question to grow him beyond fear.
• GOD told Moses what HE was about to do through him.

 

“Lift up your rod” is symbolic for what GOD was going to do. GOD was raising Moses up to continue to be their leader. GOD would part the sea, but HE wanted the people to witness a human holding up a rod so they would believe that HE listens to Moses.

 

GOD also wanted the Egyptians to believe there is no other GOD. HE promised that after this encounter with HIM, the Egyptians would no longer be a threat. No military force can withstand GOD. The Egyptian hearts would solidify in thinking they could defeat GOD’s people. GOD reassured HIS people by telling them what HE would do.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him concerning HIS promise?
• Has GOD made you a promise that needs reassurance?
• Will you ask GOD for reassurance, knowing HE does not mind if you are afraid right now?

Preparing for the Worst

Preparing for the Worst

Genesis 33: Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. ² And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. ³ Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

 

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Esau was finally on his way. That dreaded time had finally arrived. Jacob put the women and children in front, then he bowed seven times until he reached his brother.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was preparing for the worst to happen.
• Jacob had to let go of pride and face his fear of his brother.
• Jacob may have thought putting the women and children up front would soften the blow.

 

Full of fear and writhing in pain from wrestling with JESUS, Jacob humbly approached Esau. The dreaded day had come. Jacob probably thought he was going to die. We all can think of the worst, can’t we? Jacob seemed to try everything he could think of, but had to face Esau on Esau’s terms.

 

Jacob finally humbled himself and bowed down to Esau. He saw Esau’s four hundred men and knew he had no chance of escape. He probably thought about all the wrong he did and could not fathom how a positive outcome could happen. BUT GOD was there.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s actions?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation that was out of your control?
• Can you rethink the outcome with GOD’s love added so you can change fear to faith today?

Because I was Afraid

Because I was Afraid

Genesis 31: ²⁶ And Laban said to Jacob: “What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword? ²⁷ Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp? ²⁸ And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters. Now you have done foolishly in so doing. ²⁹ It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’ ³⁰ And now you have surely gone because you greatly long for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?”

 

³¹ Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.’ ³² With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

 

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After GOD spoke to Jacob, telling him to leave and go back to Isaac and Rebekah’s land, Jacob “stole away”, leaving Laban. Jacob had great wealth because GOD orchestrated the complex deal Laban tried to manipulate. Laban promised to give Jacob all the animals that had spots, then streaks, then blemishes. But each change, GOD would allow the animals to breed in what was said. Laban confronted Jacob about his gods.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob finally told the truth about being afraid.
• Jacob could not deceive his way out of the situation, so he finally had to tell the truth.
• Jacob did not know about Rachel stealing the household gods, so he allowed Laban the right to kill anyone who had them.

 

GOD spoke to Laban, protecting Jacob from harm. Laban was probably going to kill Jacob and try to justify his action. BUT GOD intervened. Laban, knowing what happened to Sodom, was afraid to kill Jacob or take his stuff.

 

Jacob, on the other hand, finally started to tell the truth. “Because I was afraid” was the best answer he could give for leaving without telling Laban. This is a great lesson for you and me. He admitted to being afraid without accusing Laban, at least not yet. He was not shrewd, but honest.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Jacob and Laban?
• Have you ever been afraid of something, causing you to finally tell the truth?
• Is GOD putting you in a situation where you finally have to tell the truth?

 

Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual Awakening

Genesis 3: ⁶ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was ^]pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

 

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Belief in the lie Satan told and implied and inferred, caused the woman to innocently want more than she already had. She wanted to be “wise.” She did not know what she was missing, but, for some reason, felt she was missing something. The lie worked! Her husband was right there. He too was curious about what would happen. He had never seen death and probably wondered what it was.

 

My Observations:

• Both man and woman could physically see so the “eyes” here are spiritual eyes that provides awareness.
• Shame seemed to be the first thing they experienced when they became aware.
• Everything became different from both of their perspectives.

 

Feeling inadequate or different or ashamed came from something seemingly innocent, namely eating. Humans compare sins like murder, adultery, or lying and label them as “big” sins. But eating something from GOD’s tree took down all of humanity! One bite doomed all humans to death. Satan had won, or so he thought. He didn’t know that GOD had already made a plan for the fall.

 

GOD never changed in the situation. HE was still GOD, but now the relationship with HIS creation was spiritually different. They would now see HIM as someone to question or blame or doubt. No longer was anything HE made,  “good” enough. They would try to make their own solutions to problems that did not exist.  Fortunately GOD knew how to fix this.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD went into detail to Moses, regarding the woman’s desire to be “wise?”
• Have you ever wanted something that was possibly not good for you, yet you wanted it more and more?
• Will you give your desires to GOD and ask HIM to align them to HIS will today?

Not Afraid of Anyone

Not Afraid of Anyone

1 Peter 3: ¹³ Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. ¹⁵ But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,

 

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Afraid of bullies, I planned my route to school. I could avoid specific people if I went down certain blocks. But as I grew up, I was more confident to tell one of them about CHRIST. “Would you send out a message of faith-based encouragement?” was the question posed to me later in life. “No” was the answer. In the back of my mind I wondered “What would the higher ups, who don’t believe in GOD, think?”

 

• I was afraid to show my relationship with CHRIST because I wanted a title.
• I was trying to keep powerful bullies, who eventually lost their positions, pleased so I could get ahead.
• I was willing to hide my relationship with CHRIST to appease people who could care less about GOD.

 

Peter attempted to give encouragement to those “Chosen” believers who were scattered to many countries because of their belief in JESUS. They were ousted and sought after to be killed because of their belief. He tells all believers to “be ready.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to not be ashamed of my relationship with JESUS.
• Overcoming fear of relating to JESUS was a huge hurdle I needed to cross so I could be honest in what I do.
• Being ready to explain hope should be top of mind each day.

 

Perception is a friend or a foe. I mean, trying to be one way in front of people to please them when I should be bold for JESUS causes me to live in an unfruitful way. But the problem is when I try to be bold for CHRIST, worldly people get mad and may even try to harm me.

 

GOD sees all situations and rewards me when I am bold for HIM. HE doesn’t put me in bad situations all the time. HE simply wants me to “do what is good” so people who do not believe in JESUS, will ask. “why do you have so much hope?” I gladly am ready with an answer.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer urge the readers to “be ready?”
• Has anyone approached you about hope?
• Have you lost hope and are not showing the light and salt GOD has given you?
• Will you ask GOD for that bold hope that brings people back to HIM so you can be used for HIS purpose today?

Brightened House

Brightened House

Acts 16: ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

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“Do you know where the candles are?” a family member asked. I searched and found several candles and stands that were given to us as a gift. Placing the lit candles around the house brightened the darkness. I felt at ease as the storm raged and the power outage persisted.

• There have been times when I was in the dark.
• There have been times when I worried about the safety of my family because of the storms.
• There have been times when I benefited from the gift someone gave our household.

The jailer knew something was different about Paul and Silas. While they were singing, an earthquake shook the doors and chains off the prisoners. The jailer asked “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas gave the answer “Believe in the LORD JESUS and you will be saved – you and your household.”

• GOD wants me to know HE cares for me.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about those who are in my household.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about my neighbors, my coworkers, and the people I see when I walk around.

JESUS wants to include entire households in HIS plan of salvation. HE may enlighten one so everyone in the household can believe in HIS saving power. HE fills people with joy when the household is saved. I am grateful GOD wants me and my family to believe.

• Is your household in darkness?
• Do you think GOD has left you and your family?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior so you and your household will be saved today?

It’s Not the Storm

Matthew 8: ²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

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Paralyzed with fear, I did not know what to say. I was in front of a big crowd for the first time and had to say some very bad news regarding money. Every word that came out of my mouth was salted with trembling tones. I was scared!

• There are moments I have been filled with fear.
• There are times when I have been afraid.
• There are situations that seem so frightening that I just want out!

Being filled with fear makes me want to run home and cry. When the storm of life turns into a torrent, I cry out to GOD “Don’t YOU hear me?” BUT GOD handles me gently.

• GOD asks me “Why are you afraid?
• GOD says to me “Focus on ME, not the storm.”
• GOD tells me “I AM going to strengthen you so other storms will not break you.”

Each stormy gale I face makes me stronger for the next. GOD sees my meager faith and wants it to grow. HE allows situations to happen and little by little I turn to HIM instead of relying on me.

Saying “We’re going to drown!” is not showing GOD faith. I know that sounds harsh and by no means do I take drowning lightly. GOD wants me to have faith enough to know HE will take me through storms in order to serve HIS purpose. I can also have the faith to know that when I finish serving HIS purpose, HE will take me home to say “well done.”

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you feel afraid?
• Can you stop thinking about your situation for a moment to ask GOD for your purpose?
• Will you seek what GOD will have you do today?

Thoroughly Protected

Ezekiel 35: ¹² Then you will know that I the Lord have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.” ¹³ You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. ¹⁴ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

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We split up and ran in different directions to divide the would-be robbers. When I felt the coast was clear, I went back to the grocery store looking for my friend. As I walked into the store one of the detectives summoned me over. “Is he one of them?” he asked my friend. “No, he was the one I told you about who was being chased with me. He is my friend.” I never felt more relieved because they did catch the thugs and drove us home.

• Some people thought I was down and tried to kick me.
• Some people thought I was an easy target, and I was.
• Some people thought I could be taken advantage of and they were right.

We were outnumbered five to two. They even yelled out “Shoot them!” thinking that would stop our mad dash. The odds did not seem in our favor. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD said “I have heard all the contemptible things” meaning HE is listening to those plotting against me.
• GOD said “You boasted against ME and spoke against ME without restraint and I heard it” meaning HE listens to those who think they do not need HIM and who are against those HE protects.
• GOD said “I AM the Sovereign LORD, I will make you desolate” meaning HE is going to take down those who try to harm me.

GOD provides special protection for those who HE gives a purpose. I did not know it at the time, but HE protected me through many other similar incidents. As I look back through all the times I needed protection, I cannot help but think “Why me?” GOD says to me “Because I want you to tell people about MY SON.”

GOD’s protection should never be wasted. HE protects me in order for me to spread the Good News about HIS SON.’’

• Are you scared?
• Are you full of fear?
• Can you let go of the situation ling enough to give it over to GOD and watch HIS deliverance?
• Will you walk in HIS strength and protection today?

Have Some Heart for Dessert

Isaiah 7: ³ Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. ⁴ Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.

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Returning home from watching a scary movie I opened the gate and walked to the back door of the house. My neighbor decided to play a prank and snarled from the separating bushes of our homes. I screamed and ran in circles! Interviewing for a company that wanted me to “Flip the image of a heart on screen during surgeries” made me nervous. I screamed and ran in circles!

• There have been many times in which I have been scared.
• There have been many situations where I have lost hope.
• There have been many situations that I could not see a good outcome so I backed out because of fear.

Life seems to bring many scary situations, sometimes daily. I almost had a head on collision once. I almost fell off of high places. I almost got hit by a truck. Each scary time makes me think, “Should I just hide in the corner of my house and never come out?” BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “Be careful, keep calm” during situations, so I will not let my mind run away and spiral out of control.
• GOD says to me “Don’t be afraid” especially when HE prompts me to try something that seems extremely difficult or out of my knowledge or comfort zone.
• GOD says to me “Do not lose heart” because HE knows the many journeys HE will have me travel, I will face opposition.

Staying the course is sometimes extremely difficult. I mean it seems like big obstacles pop up at every turn that will make me want to quit. BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than the obstacle. My only weapon in many instances is praising GOD in the middle of the storm. HE is the provider, HE is the power and HE is the hiding place in the middle of the storm.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you see no way out?
• Can you stop looking at the problem and take a moment to praise GOD for what HE “is” doing?
• Will you “Be careful, keep calm, not be afraid and not lose heart” today because GOD is with you?

Where to go when I am afraid

Psalm 56: ³ When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
⁴     In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?

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“Do not be afraid” appears in the Bible a lot. I mean it seems like when I turn another page, the statement about fear is addressed. On many occasions, I have felt fear, sometimes to the point of panic. When this happens, I run around as a chicken with a severed head. What is it about fear that is so stifling?

• I notice when I have fear, I am usually looking into the future.
• I notice when I have fear, I am usually replaying my situation over and over.
• I notice when I have fear, I am usually stuck in the past.

What is it that makes me afraid? I believe fear is the collision of my desire against GOD’s will. I mean when GOD wants me to do something and I want to do something else, our wills collide. Of course GOD will “win” but HE isn’t out to “win” He simply wants to show love to me. When I am afraid, what should I do?

• When I am afraid I will go put my trust in GOD.
• When I am afraid I will praise HIM and HIS word.
• When I am afraid I will realize mere mortals cannot do anything to me that is not ordained by GOD.

Trusting in GOD means placing all of my life into HIS hands. HE understands my needs wants and desires. HE has the right to say “No” “wait” or “yes.” My dependence should come from HIM daily. HE wants me to sit, listen and watch HIS deliverance.

• Are you afraid?
• Do you have something troubling you?
• Can you trust that GOD knows what HE is doing even in the middle of crisis?
• Will you place your dependence on GOD today?

The Battle is Not Yours

2 Chronicles 20: ⁵ He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

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Worry on one side, fear on another, sleep escaped me and I was awake again. This was my pattern when something very “big” was going to happen. I would think about it and rethink it until I would get myself all keyed up in a tizzy.

• Sometimes I can’t see any fix to a problem.
• Sometimes I think I have no way out.
• Sometimes I think I have to fix everything with no tools, skills or resources.

Fear, doubt and worry come from me trying to fight my own battles. Sometimes it also comes from me fighting GOD. What can I do when I feel afraid?

• GOD says “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”
• GOD says “Do not be discouraged over something that seems huge.”
• GOD says “The battle is the LORD’s.”

GOD knows my fears, doubts and worries. HE even knows when I can’t let go of the think I am supposed to give to HIM.  HE relaxes me and sits me besides still waters. HE restores my soul.

• Are you worried?
• Do you doubt that GOD will not deliver you and that is causing you to be more anxious?
• Can you relax and know that GOD can AND will deliver you?
• Will you praise HIM today and allow HIM to do HIS work?

Sometimes my faith needs help

1 Samuel 23: ¹⁵ While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. ¹⁶ And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 

¹⁷ “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” ¹⁸ The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

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All I could think of was “Mud” and “Dust” and “The weak baby with the fly on its eye” as I answered the call to go on this particular missions trip.  I was scared out of my wits. When we had our first meeting, one of the leaders asked are there any concerns?

I, of course, raised my hand and began blurting out a list of questions expressing my obvious concern. One of the leaders told all of us “Do not be afraid. GOD will watch over us.”

• Sometimes I get afraid of the unknown.
• Sometimes I dream of what could go wrong with my comfortable life.
• Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if the worst happens.

I imagined sleeping in a bug infested hut and in reality we stayed in a nice home in a great city. The images I had seen from television placed a false view of the people I would be serving. My fear almost kept me from answering the call BUT GOD sent word through HIS servants.

• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD said to me “I will be with you.”
• GOD said to me “Serve MY people and you will be fine.”

I went on the trip and it was life changing. I saw extreme wealth and extreme poverty. I witnessed people starving to hear a message of hope and now I want to give that hope to many. I am glad GOD sent people to calm me down.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you fear the worst?
• Can you hear this message that GOD is with you and loves you dearly?
• Won’t you comfort a person who is nervous and tell them to “keep going?”

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?

Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged

Joshua 8: Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.

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Standing in front of a crowd of people, I muttered the information I knew word for word. You could hear crickets chirping as I delivered my ho-hum class. The first day was finally over and I felt thoroughly discouraged! One person who was with me said “relax and enjoy yourself.”

Years later I understood what he was talking about. When I began enjoying life, it flowed even in the classroom.

• When I am afraid, I can’t perform.
• When I am focused on performing, I can’t perform.
• When I am discouraged, I can’t perform.

When I get so wrapped up in meeting everyone else’s expectations I fall flat on my face. I run after their dreams and realize I can’t run that fast or that long. That’s when I become discouraged. BUT GOD says something different to me.

• GOD says “Do not be afraid” to me when I have to go on HIS path instead of everyone else’s.
• GOD says “do not be discouraged” to me when I have to face what seems insurmountable and impossible.
• GOD says “I will be with you” to me when I feel lost, weak and helpless.

GOD said to Joshua, “I have delivered into your hands” meaning, the battle was already won.  It’s like walking onto the field in any sport knowing you already won, but not in an arrogant way.  GOD has the power to overcome anything. HE wants me to trust that HE has it covered, whatever “it” is.

• Are you facing something that seems impossible?
• Does it seem like you are at the end of your rope?
• Won’t you stop trying to do things under your own power and let GOD work with your plan?
• Can you focus on something much smaller and let GOD handle the large?

The ONE who sees me

Genesis 16: ¹³ She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

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Excited about the position, I followed up with the recruiter.  I had been through three rounds of interviewing and my buddy said if I made it past the second round I would be a shoe in. “We would like to present an offer BUT…” the only word I heard was “offer.” 

As she kept talking I came to my senses and realized they were not going to extend an offer to me or anyone else.  For the first time in their history this very large nameless computer company went on a hiring freeze. I was furious! LORD, am I stuck in this town?

• Sometimes I think GOD isn’t listening to me.
• Sometimes I think GOD isn’t watching me.
• Sometimes I think GOD doesn’t care.

From situation to situation I looked at GOD like HE was the problem.  Whether it was an untimely speeding ticket or a lost valuable item or a physical pain that would not subside I looked at GOD and asked “why me?” I wonder if it was because I was looking at the wrong thing.

• GOD helps me see HIM when I stop looking at the situation.
• GOD helps me see HIM when I stop fretting and start believing.
• GOD helps me see HIM when I stop thinking HE can’t fix this situation.

GOD has a deep unadulterated love for me that I cannot understand. HE disciplines me much softer than HIS outpouring of love on me. HE hears me when I sincerely cry out and sees me all the time. GOD never leaves me nor does HE forsake me.

• Do you feel alone even though people are around you?
• Do you think you are being punished for some sin?
• Are you feeling a bit lost in your direction?
• Won’t you take a moment to look at what GOD “is” doing in your life and praise HIM?

GOD is with you through the tough times

Genesis 15: After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.

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As I sat at my desk I calculated just how much work I had to do to get the project finished.  My boss seemed to care less about our health and well being and just wanted everything done. I actually thought this was going to be the place I was going to retire from.  I tried to look at my future but the more I looked at it the more frightened I became. What was I going to do?

• When things look difficult I can only see problems.
• When situations get tough I get blinded by my circumstances and I fret about the outcome.
• When obstacles are placed in front of me I think there is no way out and I get frightened.

One problem with looking into the future is I don’t own it. In other words I have never been in the future so why do I think it is going to be as bad as my mind is making it.  Looking back on the many times I have been scared about situations I realize GOD brought me through them and made me a bit stronger.

• GOD said “Do not be afraid” for HE alone holds the future.
• GOD said “I am your shield” so anything that will harm my soul will be guarded by HIM.
• GOD said “I am your great reward” so instead of thinking of the solution to my circumstance I should be thinking about how GOD is using this to grow me.

Life has its difficult moments and GOD knows I will be frightened about the future BUT HE wants me to focus on HIM rather than the circumstance to grow me and mature me in areas HE knows I need to grow.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you believe you need to grow?
• Can you understand that GOD knows you and loves you deeply?
• Won’t you let go of your fears and allow GOD to grow you today?

Don’t be afraid!

Revelation 1: ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

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Sometimes I get worried and think “my” situation is “my” situation. I pout and whine and plan and wince and I stay right in the same place, staring at my circumstance. Who can save me?

• GOD said “Don’t be afraid” because there is no circumstance greater than HIS might
• GOD said “I am the living one” which means I can help you right now and tomorrow.
• GOD said “I am alive forever and ever!” so have no fear about what I say today because MY promises can never be broken.

Since JESUS is the FIRST and the LAST, there is no decree or law or situation that can go outside of HIS rule. HE says HE is love and HE means it. My life here on Earth is just as precious as my life after the Earth passes away.

HE speaks to me and says “Do not be afraid.” Even though GOD is almighty and I sin, HE has incredible restraint and somehow translates my broken relationship with HIM into something that is mended and useful.

GOD is the great “I am” so I do not have to be afraid!

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you give your circumstance over to GOD?
• Won’t you surrender your sins to HIM as well?

Fear GOD and give HIM glory!

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

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“Seventeen” was finally here and now I could go to a rated “R” movie. We went to see a “slasher” movie and my young gullible mind was scared half to death! I got home, it was dark and my neighbor jumped out of the bushes with a startling “gotcha!”

I shrieked and ran in circles while the neighbor fell to the ground laughing for they knew I had gone to see this scary movie.

• Fearing GOD doesn’t mean walking around fearing harm from HIM.
• Fearing GOD doesn’t mean despising HIS ways because they are too impossible to follow.
• Fearing GOD doesn’t mean trying to be so perfect that I cannot make a mistake.

When I was young I feared everything from bullies, to leaving home, to going to college to that guy in the movie sitting in my back seat. Well, he could have been there, I thought! GOD doesn’t want me to fear human problems nor human power.

• I fear eternal separation from GOD more than I fear someone harming me.
• I fear GOD’s anger when I blatantly sin knowing HE doesn’t want me to.
• I fear not obeying GOD when HE says to treat my neighbors with love and respect more than losing my worldly possessions.

GOD is love and HE also holds judgment for HE alone is holy and is worthy to be praised. HE made everything with love and has no place for sin inside of HIM. HE wanted a relationship with me so HE died for my sins. Now my “fear of GOD” is based on love for HIM because quite honestly I don’t want to disappoint HIM, even though HE can never be disappointed with me!

• What do you fear?
• Are you in dire straits?
• Do you fear losing stuff more than you fear following GOD’s ways?
• Will you make a change in your life today?

Have no fear!

Revelation 1:  ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

   ¹⁹ “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.

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Sunshine and laughter outside were the elements that made my punishment too unbearable to take.  I could not go outside to play that day and it seemed like everyone on my block was enjoying the wonderful summer day.  I had to escape so I carefully slipped out the back door and went next door.

After losing track of time, I heard my father call out to me. “Uh Oh! Now I’m really in trouble!” ran through my mind. I slipped back into the house and hid for hours. My parents, the entire block and the police began to search. When they found my hiding place my parents were relieved. “You had us worried sick! Don’t do that again and don’t fear!”

• When I sin I try to run away from GOD.
• When I feel low I think GOD is out to get me.
• When things seem to be going wrong I blame GOD for the situation.

I want my way and I want it when I want it. When I don’t get my way I look at GOD as this ultimate punisher who is out to get me. “Why me” I have cried out with a hint of blame hurled at GOD. BUT GOD handles me differently than I deserve.

• GOD treats me with patience instead of punishment.
• GOD treats me with love instead of lashes.
• GOD treats me with grace instead of guilt.

HE tells me to not be afraid of HIS love. Oh, HE will correct me when I do something wrong, but in HIS correction HE wants me to see HIS everlasting love HE has for me. JESUS is to be worshipped and the FATHER is to be reverenced just the same. HE holds the key to Heaven and Hell and is in control because HE has risen from the dead.

GOD has forgiven me thoroughly and wants me to have a healthy fear of HIS power, yet not be afraid of HIS love for me.

• What are you afraid of?
• Is fear holding you back from the greatness GOD has in store for you?
• Can you stop thinking of GOD from a sinful perspective for just a minute and praise HIS love?