Joshua 10:25    And Joshua said unto them (men of Israel), Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. (KJV)

Joshua is now giving those under his authority the pep talk he received from the LORD.  See one.  Do one.  Teach one.  Passing along the lessons he has learned.  By example, he leads. Joshua gets down and dirty with his men.  Joshua has leadership skills and passed Dale Carnegie with an A+.

“Don’t let them see you sweat.”  “Don’t act scared, BOW UP.”  “Failure is not an option.”   As a mom and a swim coach I have said this.  Times when my chicks were afraid, and I was trying to infuse courage.  No, not always the best choice of words but the same heart as Joshua.  FEAR NOT!  THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S!

If we know we are going to win, it shows in our confidence, demeanor, swagger.  If you know the gold medal is yours you still have to show up at the Olympics and compete.  Only then do you get to go to the podium to receive your Gold Medal.  They don’t send it in the mail!  

Your Coach has done the preparation:  purchased the plane tickets, filed the paperwork, ordered the uniforms, spent hours with you honing your God given skills.  But, if you don’t get on the plane, compete in your sport, and give it your very best effort, it has all been for nothing!  Instead of a sure win, you get nothing.  

The Lord calls us to do the seemingly impossible.  He asks us to face our greatest fears with courage and confidence in HIM.  To do this, we must BELIEVE that HE will do through us what we cannot do in our own strength.  The fear rises out of our fear of a change in conflict, change of venue, a change, any change.

What change are you facing today?  This is what the children of Israel were facing.  A change in competitor (enemy).  The unseen leader was the same:  He never changes.  This is the reminder of Joshua!  “The LORD shall give you the victory!” (Psalm 20:6, 1 Corinthians 15:57) He is the reason for you to have courage (NO FEAR), to have confidence (not dismayed, anxious, or confused).  

Can I be real honest?  I H-A-T-E conflict!  Conflict/change is the only certain thing in life. The good news is that as a child of the King I need not “fear nor be dismayed” for the LORD GOD King of Israel will take care of my enemies (whatever/whoever this may be) for me.  I must simply stand behind Him and trust in His providential guidance and believe His promises.

So today, get off the couch.  This is no spectator sport.  WE must climb up on the starting block.  Take our positions.  Listen for the starting gun and at the sound of its crack, GO……….The GOld medal is waiting at the finish line.  Your Coach and a gallery of witnesses are cheering you on to victory. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Lead on oh King Eternal…………..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhKeliH94k

(youtube video)

Yvonne