God Can Turn Fear Into Victory

"Only he who can say, "The Lord is the strength of my life" can say, "Of whom shall I be afraid?""
- Alexander MacLaren

We live our lives with much uncertainty whether we chose to do so or not. So while there may be certain things we can do to help alleviate the fear caused by it, there still remains a large amount outside of our control.

And these are what cause us the most consternation or fear. A sample list might include: the fear of losing our job, divorce, bankruptcy, the future, and the fear of death. Undoubtedly, all are things that can keep us awake at night.

Moses, Joshua and Israel had experienced many trials along the way to Canaan. They relied on God's help to see them through all of them. Probably the biggest fear the people had was that they would die in the desert from lack of provisions.

Of course, God always heard their cries (and Moses' complaints) and provided what they needed in the end. We also see two things that were problematic along the way to the promised land: a weak faith, and fear.

This is evident when the search party returns from their survey of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-2; Deuteronomy 1:22). Of the twelve spies that were sent, only one supported the LORD's plan for conquest of the land upon their return (Numbers 13:31-32).

The rest took advantage of the people's fears and weak faith and tried to dissuade them from going through with it and head back to Egypt (Numbers 14:3). Even after all that God had done for them up to that point they were still skeptical.

Doesn't that sound like so many of us? We talk a big talk, but when it comes right down to it, we're afraid to let God take care of us. No one is denying that we have a lot to fear in life, that's just a part of it, but only a part of it.

There's so much to thankful for, too, including being thankful that we have a loving God who provides and cares for us. He loved us so much that he sent His Only Begotten Son to earth to die for our sins (John 3:16).

Because of what he did for us, even death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:56-57). Our fears, whatever they may be, can control and corrupt us if we let them. But only God can take the worst of our fears and turn them into victories, if we let him (Isaiah 41:10).

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 56:3-4; Philippians 4:6; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 56:3

Prayer: Dear Lord, though life may bring on many fears, I can face any and all in full confidence and fortitude knowing that You will fight for me, and with me. Amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy