Don't Be Afraid of Them!

Today I am excited to have the greatest Guest Blogger of all time-  My husband, Stan.  Stan is a man of great wisdom and integrity, which I know you'll discover through his written words.  He's what many refer to as a "Gentle Giant" - full of strength under control. Love you, Stan! 

 Don't Be Afraid of Them!

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you.  He will not leave your nor forsake you. Deut. 31:6

Imagine what it would be like to speak to a group of family and friends and as you speak you begin by saying, “Today, I am one hundred and twenty years old.”  Hard to imagine, yet it is the vibrant picture painted in Deuteronomy 31.  As Moses stands before the Children of Israel, not only does he give a birthday speech, but he gives a farewell address that is filled with spiritual wisdom that can only come with age, experience and time spent with God.  Although he has led them to up to the place of promise, he will not lead them into that place.  Recognizing this reality, he passionately equips them for the remainder of their journey as he encourages them with powerful directives.

“Be Strong!” – “Be Courageous!” – “Do not fear!” 
“Do not be afraid of THEM!”

As I’ve read through this passage and pondered this picture I find that I continue to stumble over and return to one phrase. Six simple words.  “Do not be afraid of THEM!”  In particular, the word “THEM” causes me to stop and ask a question.  Who, or what, is “THEM?”  The answer is found in the brush strokes that paint Moses’ final portrait.  As he takes his farewell stance he says, “The Lord is not allowing me to go with you, but that’s okay because HE is going before you.  He’ll take care of everyone or everything that has setup housekeeping in the place God has promised to you.  You are to follow Him.  God will fight “THEM,” but you are to move them out.”

The “THEM” in the picture was anyone and everything that was an enemy of the promise.

What is God’s place of promise for you?  What is the land, the territory, the region, the situation or the circumstance He has called you to possess?  Can you identify the enemy of your promise?  Who, or what is your “THEM?” What vagrant has declared a homestead and needs to be moved out?   As you face that enemy do you find yourself questioning your strength?  Is your courage leaning towards the thin side?  Are you fearful?  Are you filled with anxiety?  Are you afraid of your “THEM?”  If so, then receive the assurance found in the remainder of verse 6.

“For the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. 
He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

You can rest assured of this.  God has gone before you.  He did it through His Son, Jesus Christ.    Be strong!  Be courageous!  Do not fear!  Do not be afraid of “THEM!”  Through Jesus your “THEM” has already been taken care of.  He has already battled for you.

Go take your promise.

Head ‘em up and move ‘em out!