^“And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.” Joshua 10:8.

Words of the Apostle Paul readily come to mind as he charges Timothy to “ Fight the good fight of faith ” I Timothy 6:12a. He even gives a declaration of his own life lived in faithful service to God as he wrote: “I have fought a good fight” 2 Tim. 4:7a. 

The key word in the context of both scriptures is fight. The good news is that we’re never in the fight alone. God will fight all our battles!  “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. 

To fight is to engage in a struggle or conflict. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our fights are not only fought physically or mentally, but are fought and won in the Spirit. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

Any conflict or struggle presents the element of fear. But my friends, fear is a useful human emotion, for example, when facing imminent danger, and it is especially warranted for any leader, warrior, or those of us who will faithfully fight in the army of God! 

Let me call your attention to God’s servant Joshua. God appointed him as Moses’ successor as His Military Commander. Do you recall what God said to Joshua as he commanded Him to take the lead? “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

At times, life circumstances can lead us down some pretty dark valleys that cause fear and even feelings of inadequacy.  But we must recognize that it is the arch-enemy of our souls, and his demonic forces, who send subtle messages of doubt to our minds and hearts about our incapability to win the fight. His prime objective is to make us stumble, fall, and lose hope in God. 

But absolutely nothing is over until God says it is over! “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Roman 8:37.

My friends, God doesn’t call for us to remove our fears…but to move on in spite of them. That’s what true courage really is -the ability to act when God says so despite any hardship, opposition, and yes…the discouragement from the enemy. 

Through it all, as born-again believers, we are called to persevere in faith, resting on the unfailing and faithful promises of God, and His divine power to deliver us!” ^“And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.” Joshua 10:8.

Therefore, regardless of the battles that we may be facing, we need not fear, for the Lord of Hosts is with us. He will even allow us to put our feet on the neck of our enemies; a cultural custom of the ancient Near East that symbolized victory, and a beautiful reminder for us that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has authority over all things!‘

“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” Ephesians 1:22.

God’s blessings and peace to you; remember we have the victory in Jesus!