Fear

                

   Have you ever been afraid? Perhaps you are afraid of snakes or dogs? There are many things in this life the we fear. Is talking to someone about spiritual matters one of them? If it is not one of your fears, do you know someone who it is?

Joshua was a man in the Old Testament who had to face many fears but he also received encouragement for them each time. Joshua was the man who was to take command of all of Israel after Moses had died. He was the appointed one to officially conquer the land of Canaan, the promised land. This was a rather large and daunting task to be in charge of approximately 2.5 million people. Anyone in his right mind would be a little scared. But God confronts this fear and comforts Joshua by saying, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Joshua was also afraid after the Israelites had gone into battle against the city of Ai and were sent running; all because of their sin. 36 men were killed in the battle.“And the hearts of the people melted and became as water” (Joshua 7:5). Joshua is told what to do to solve the issue and is then charged by the Lord to go into battle against the city again. He was scared but the Lord, once again, comforts him and says, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed...” 

God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” for He was with Joshua wherever he went; and to go into battle. God has charged us similarly to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.” God is with us, just as He was with Joshua. We have no reason to be afraid to do what he has charged us to do.  If you’re not afraid to speak to someone about spiritual matters then perhaps you can encourage someone who is and remind them to “Be strong and courageous.”