Be Strong and Courageous

There are times when I feel the icy fingers of fear and realize the hand on my shoulder is not one I want lingering there.

It is not a friendly hand, but if I let it, it will grow far too comfortable. It will tighten its grip and begin to steer me in directions I don't want to go.

Fear is an enemy I have fought my entire life. I first wrestled with it as a child, when dreams haunted me and drove me to my parents' bedside in the middle of the night, hoping my dad could make it go away.

Now that I am an adult, I still fight the same enemy. I am still driven to my Father's side, knowing only He can take the burden from me.

I believe we have victory over the enemy through the blood of Jesus Christ. I have personally been delivered from my fears many times through prayer and Word of God.

In this life, however, these are but small battles won in the epic war between Divine Good and relentless evil. He has seen me safely through the attack. I have lived to fight another day.

I know what the ultimate outcome will be. I will be counted among those worshiping at Jesus' feet when he has finally crushed the enemy's head.

But for now, there is a hand on my shoulder that needs to be dealt with. I can't simply brush it aside, for it is too heavy. Only God can lift it as I cry out to Him. It is a battle I cannot fight alone. How thankful I am that I don't have to!

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9