Fear Not! A Journey From Fear To Freedom (Part 2)Campione

Play to Your Strength “They came out with all their troops and a large number of horses and chariots — a huge army, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. All these kings joined forces and made camp together at the Waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, because by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel, slain. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots’” (Joshua 11:4-6 NIV). Word of Israel’s previous victories was spreading and Jabin, king of Hazor, unified all the surrounding kings and their armies to fight against the Israelites. Not only did the enemy have an advantage in terms of numbers, they also had distinct military advantage with chariots and horses. The only advantage Israel had is they were the only people serving the true God. How does more warriors and better equipment stack up against God? Israel “totally destroyed them, not sparing anything that breathed” (Joshua 11:11 NIV). So what happens when you are facing a crisis of monumental proportions? When you are seriously outnumbered, out-equipped or even outsmarted? You have to turn to the one advantage Israel had, the living God, who is also your God. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV) tells us, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” You are strong in His power and His might, not yours. You and God versus anything or anyone is advantage you. Play to your strength! Truth be known, God did not leave us empty-handed. He gave us the most powerful weapon most of the world has never known - His word. How strong is His word? “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV). The answer to every crisis (past, present or future) is in His word. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it… 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" (Joshua 1:8-9). This is the instruction God personally gave to Joshua. Just like Joshua, you can live a victorious life because “God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34 KJV). Prayer: God, You are my “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). May You always be the first place I turn to in any crisis. Thank You that You are no respecter of persons. In Jesus name, Amen.