Afraid of Change?

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

This text is important throughout the Biblical narrative. Why is that? These words were spoken three times in the Old Testament. First, Moses spoke these words to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6. He tells them to, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” The second time is the passage you read above when God restates these words to Joshua. The third time we find these words is in 1 Chronicles 28:20 “Then David said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.” We now know that David was encouraging Solomon with the same words Moses used to encourage the people of Israel.

All three of these instances share two commonalities. First, the persons receiving the words were afraid of change – they feared God’s plan. Second, God, either directly or through His chosen mouth piece, spoke a command and exhortation to those persons regarding their situation.

In Deuteronomy, Moses was about to die. He would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land with the children of Israel. The people would have to carry on without Him as they crossed over into a land flowing with milk and honey. Although they were eager to see this place promised to them, they feared moving forward without their fearless leader who had carried them through each situation in the desert. They weren’t sure what life would look like without Moses. God tells Moses to reassure them that it was God who deserved their trust. He was the one who brought them through the desert and He would bring them into the Promised Land. They need only be strong and have courage.

In the book of Joshua, Joshua feared inadequacy. He was afraid that Moses’ sandals would be too big to fill and he would fail the people. Sure he had worked with Moses but was he ready to lead the people in the many campaigns ahead of them? God told Joshua multiple times to be strong and have courage. God would be the one to win the battles, slay the giants, and give the Israelites the land. God promised to be with Joshua wherever he went as long as Joshua was obedient.

In Chronicles Solomon was afraid of not being able to complete the temple. He feared failing God, his father, and the people. Why did God want him to build the temple anyway? It was not his plan. What if he did something wrong? David reminds him of this consistent truth – God will not fail you therefore do not fear.

So what is my point exactly?

I am glad you asked…

So often we fear stepping into God’s plan. We fear change. We long for God to speak but when He does we fear obedience.

Joshua 1:9 has been a verse that has brought clarity and encouragement to my life many times. When I was seventeen a dear friend of my mother wrote this verse inside a graduation card. It took root in my heart that very moment and hasn’t left me since. I was terrified when the time came to choose a college. This verse settled my heart as I packed my bags for Lee University and began my classes. I attended school there in perfect peace knowing God had led me to that campus. Then it was time to graduate and I was fearful of the unknown. This verse sprouted up in my soul as I walked across the stage and into a world filled with possibilities. I carried its truth with me as I married my husband and moved away from my childhood home forever. As I kissed my husband goodbye knowing He would be gone for six months I cherished the words spoken to the Israelites, Joshua, and Solomon: “Do not fear or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go…”

So, what are you afraid of?

A new job?

A new ministry?

Moving to a new town?

Sharing the gospel with your best friend?

Adopting a child?

Going on a mission’s trip?

A Deployment?

Pursuing the dream God has placed in your heart?

Whatever it is – Do not be afraid.

God is leading your life. If He makes an opportunity possible, take it. If He puts a road block on the path you thought was the one, turn around and find the path He has marked. If you do this – you will thrive because He will never fail you or forsake you.