Standing Bold

Reading Deuteronomy 7:17,18 (NKJV) we have “If you should say in your heart, These nations are greater than I; how can I dispossess them?- you shall not be afraid of them, but you shall remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt:” The children of Israel were going to see and experience things which would have looked impossible to them and the emotion of doubt and fear would begin to prevail in their minds. But Moses did not admonish them to hang on to hope because hope is something not seen to which we cleave to. But here Moses encourages them to remember well what they saw with their own eyes of what their God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. This evidence which they all clearly saw should remove all fear and give a confidence that they would overcome. Moses goes on and tells them in verses 19 and 20 to remember the great trials, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm which they experienced first-hand. And if that was not enough to remove all fear in their mind God declared that He would remove those who were left hiding themselves to be not seen by the sending of the hornet among the enemies until they were destroyed. Sometimes we look at things as being unsurmountable and unobtainable because when looking at just the reality-looking by sight- we can see no other outcome. But we need to be encouraged by looking back at how God has been in our lives working and helping us to overcome the obstacles that had been obstructing our path. We need to remember the workings of God who fought for His people and that He will do the same for His children who are obedient. Look at the reassurance that is given in Deuteronomy 20:1-4 (NJKV) “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; for the LORD your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” Let us today embolden, through encouragement, our brethren who are facing great battles against our common enemy, Satan, so that they may remain strong and be victorious overcoming fear and doubt throughout the trial. May we do all we can to uplift our brothers and sisters in Christ in this journey through this wicked and evil world. Let us not be faint nor afraid of the battle which belongs to the LORD our God remembering the admonition of Moses “Be strong (be bold) 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 you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NKJV).     

- Larry Bumgardner