Text: Judges 7:3 NKJV
Further Reading: Judges 7:1-3
Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.’ ” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
Judges 7:3 NKJV
MESSAGE
It takes a lot of courage to be a saint. The pilgrim’s progress to heaven will bring him face to face with many obstacles and fierce tribulations that require resolute faith in God. He will have to endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ. He cannot be timid or afraid of the enemy’s rants, rather he must press on to win the race.
God cannot do anything with a fearful heart. Such a heart is defeated before the battle ever begins. Anyone who will accomplish great exploit for God must be a radical man of faith.
It is amazing to see God repeatedly saying to Joshua, “fear not”. This was because God knew Joshua would face giants and would have to fight wars to possess the land. The same is true about us, we will encounter on our journey, things that will make us really afraid, but we must not be afraid. God’s Spirit in you is not of fear but love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
When you look at our text of the day, you will realise that God had to eliminate 22,000 fearful men. They cannot be used for the deliverance God wants to give His people. These lost their place in the history of God’s deliverance to Israel.
In the book of Hebrews chapter 11, you will see the sort of men that God used mightily to bring deliverance. They were not fearful but mighty in faith. The Bible recorded they are men who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Hebrews 11:33-34 NKJV .
If God will use you greatly, then you must deal with fear. Ask God to help you overcome whatever fear the enemy may be confronting you with today.
The greatest antidote to fear is faith, complete trust in God’s omnipotence. Rest and trust in God to give you victory over all your fear (Psalms 34:4).
It is amazing how Jesus linked fearfulness to lack of faith. Never forget, without faith it is impossible to please God.
REFLECTION
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 KJV
The fearful will end up not just being un-usable for God’s agenda on earth but may risk eternity with God.
PRAYER
Father, please help me to fully trust in you and help me overcome all my fears.
