Hope For The Scaredy-Cats

Would you like to know a little secret about me?  I am really a very fearful person.   I’m what we would call people when I was younger, a ‘scaredy cat.’  I’m initially afraid of new and different situations.  I’m afraid of unknown futures for myself and my family.  I’m often afraid to take those steps of obedience when God beckons me into uncharted waters.  Does anyone know what I’m talking about?

That’s why I love to read the first chapter of Joshua.  God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous three times.  The second time, He tells him to be VERY courageous.  The chapter concludes with the people of Israel telling Joshua to be strong and courageous, making it the fourth time these two words are used together.  OK!  I get the message:  we’re to be strong and courageous!

Not only does God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous three times, but He also tells him “I will be with you” twice.  God emphasizes that He’ll be with Joshua wherever he goes, and that He’ll never leave or forsake him.  I find such comfort in these words because I know if they are true for Joshua, they are equally true for me.   God is with me too, wherever I go. He’s with my husband as he goes to battle, whether the battlefield is in the Middle East or at his office. He’s with my son as he transitions into a new beginning stage in his life.  And He’s with me as I deal with some unknowns.  He’ll never leave or forsake us.

We’re never promised that life will go smooth.  We’re never promised that life will not be hard.  We’re never promised that we won’t hurt, get sick or weep over the loss of a loved one.  But we are promised that God will never leave or forsake us.   Because of this, we can be strong and courageous in everyday life.  We can step out in obedience into new and uncharted waters.  We can find comfort in knowing that God is by our side at all times.  Gradually, fear gives way to trust, and trust leads us into the peace that passes all understanding.  Our fears no longer control us, but rather, they have propelled us straight into the loving arms of Jesus.  And that’s what makes us strong and courageous.  Praise God!!