When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. Deuteronomy 20:2-3 NIV

Fear Not Friday – Don’t Be Fainthearted audio

We all have issues we need to face. They may not be people, but the struggles are nonetheless a type of enemy which we are trying to avoid. Maybe it is the correction of a financial crisis, addressing a physical sickness, facing your weight problem, working through forgiveness, processing grief, or finding freedom on the other side of abuse. God will be with you as you face the challenge.

Some interesting thoughts arise from this passage which correlates with engaging a battle with the enemy. 

  • The priest shall come forward and address the army
    • Get God’s guidance first. My wife is consistent when looking for next steps to ask me, “what is God saying?”
    • Resist trying to analyze and figure out next steps in your own wisdom.
  • Hear, Israel
    • Words have power to address boldness
    • What you listen to makes an impact on your strength of disposition to address the problem.
    • Your own words can be causing the hesitation to a victory, such as “it’s too hard”, “I’ll never be victorious”, “this is too difficult for me”, or “i’m not smart enough”.
  • Today
    • Schedule your battle plan. Someday never comes. Move toward your today is the day of engagement. Let your calendar lead you to make the call, begin to change the way you eat, or work your budget.
    • Move the urgency onto the calendar of adjustments. 
  • Do not be fainthearted
    • Find a backbone to stand strong
    • The Hebrew word rakak means “to become soft or tender”. The implementation of this word opens the door to people talking themselves out of action. 
    • You might have the temperament which wants to resolve a situation, make a plan, and then “chicken out”.
    • You are not alone, but you do not have to remain paralyzed. Ask God for the backbone, boldness, and courage to take the steps to engage your “enemy”.
  • Don’t be afraid
    • This  literally means resist the flow to becoming fearful.
    • What if you are already fearful? 
      • Go back through the steps. What is God saying, choose a plan and day, get a backbone
      • Invite someone to participate in your journey. Two are stronger than one.
      • Humble yourself before God of your need and ask for His help

On this Fear Not Friday, let this be the day you address faintheartedness regarding your “enemies” and struggles. Take the time to listen to God about the battle plan necessary to defeat the enemy. He has a plan just for you. He wants you to be successful. His plan is good and not to harm you to give you a hope and a future.

Blessings Love y’all