Magdy Samuel

Serialized Articles From:
"Whom shall I fear"

Last Published Devotions

Chapter 3: 13

Example from the Bible
Joshua, the Terrified Leader (Joshua 1)


After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all the people, to the land which I am giving to them.”  The responsibility was great, and Joshua was afraid for three reasons:

First: The death of Moses, the great and strong man of God, who strengthened and encouraged him (loss of human support). How can he go on without Moses?!

Second: Crossing the Jordan River is a great obstacle, at the time of flooding the water rises up over all its banks. How can they cross this barrier without ships or boats, without any physical or human resources (the absence of resources)?  How can he cross the Jordan?

Third: He is not just responsible for himself or his family and his children, but for a people - vast, stubborn, and tiresome, about six hundred thousand of them, not counting the women and children, meaning nearly two million people. “...you and all the people…(magnitude of the responsibilities).  Moses described them as a stiff-necked people, and asked the Lord, saying “please kill me here and now… do not let me see my wretchedness!” (Numbers 11: 15) And he spoke rashly with his lips because of them.   (Psalm 106: 33).  How can Joshua carry the responsibility of so many people?


But what was the Divine treatment for Joshua’s fear?

The Lord said to Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage.” 

And He commanded him saying, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

And He set in front of him the greatest source of Divine encouragement, the Book of the Law, saying, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night… For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

My dear brother, the strengthening of the Lord, His encouragement of you, and the power of God with you, is greater than all your responsibilities.

The death of Moses, the crossing of the Jordan, and the size of the people, does not terrify you, Joshua; because your God will not leave you nor forsake you, but He strengthens you and encourages you.

Perhaps the Lord’s response in our fears will not change our circumstances or lighten our responsibilities, but will glorify His power in us, and strengthen our hands, so that we say:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4: 13).

Trust that He will empower you and strengthen you and encourage you.

Fear was born in the Garden of Eden, but it dies when we come to the Father's house.  All that frightens us here will not be there.

 

Magdy Samuel