Scripture:
Isaiah 41:10-13 ESV
[10] fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [11] Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. [12] You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. [13] For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Observation:
The first 7 words of this group of verses say everything that needs to be said. Isaiah wants us to know that fear is not for GOD’S people. Over and over in the bible, we read fear not… or do not be afraid… Isaiah was encouraging GOD’S people to know HIM. To focus on who was fighting for them. Not who they were fighting against. Why would you be in distress if you truly knew that the GOD who made the heavens and the earth had your back? Isaiah knew that if GOD’S chosen people would rely on HIM, they would have the strength they needed when they needed it, and standing on the LORD’S righteousness would put those who were coming against Isreal to shame. Those who came against Isreal would see that GOD was fighting for them and flee when the dust settled, and they looked up their enemy would be nowhere to be found. What was being spoken was reassurance. GOD is with them. Stand confident knowing that if HE delivered them before HE, we would deliver them again.
Application:
I have never counted them. But the words or phrases that refer to having no fear in the bible are stated over 300 times. Sometimes, I will look that up and find out for sure because, at this point, it’s just speculation. However, I know that just by reading the bible, it is said a lot. So this is what I want to say this morning… if something is said in the bible, it’s very important. If it is said more than once, you should commit it to your memory. So what should you do with something that is stated over 300 times? Well, my thought is to put it into practice. I love the fact that I am not fighting for victory. GOD has given me confidence that HE has already won the battle. HE has shown me through HIS word and in my life that if I just suit up and show up. HE will fight for me. Now that being said, when those who oppose me see that GOD is fighting for me… well, they will want no part of it and flee. Listen, we need to hear this because it’s very important. The only thing that is mine is the victory. The battle belongs to the LORD. When you truly know that, you will stand in confidence. There will be no doubt. You will say to yourself that I may not know how, and I may not know when, but the LORD has already won this fight. All I need to do is know that and stand without fear. A little boy named David did, and HE got to see the victory of the LORD. A man named Moses did, and he walked across a highway under the sea. A young lad named Joshua did and brought Israel into the promised land. So let me ask you what the LORD will do for you when you stand in confidence. Without fear. Knowing that the victory is already yours. Today, I encourage you and strengthen you to stand in the LORD and remove the fear you may be experiencing…it’s not from GOD. HE does not place that spirit in us. Be a Joshua or a Caleb or even a David, but whatever you do, do it fearlessly. Pick up 5 smooth stones and stare down that giant and his brothers. The battle has already been won.
Prayer:
Father, as we start this day, we don’t really know what is going to be in our path… but what we do know is that you are with us. We pray that whatever comes to stand in front of us, that you are for us, and because that is the truth, nothing can stop us. We pray over everyone reading this the confidence of King David, the bravery of Joshua and Caleb, and the courage of Moses. Let us stand in the strength that you have given us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen