Joshua 23:8-10

“But you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you.”

Let’s talk about fear…There’s that dirty four letter word again. It just keeps creeping up, doesn’t it? I mean, it is the enemy’s most effective tactic against us. Well, maybe it’s tied with unforgiveness…but that’s another subject.

I was having a conversation with a friend who is going through a very difficult time last night. We were discussing how in her situation, it seems like her worst fears had come true. Can you relate? Have your worst fears ever come true?

What does a worst fear look like for you? Infidelity, cancer, getting fired, death of a child? Terrible things that we would never wish on our worst enemy, right? But sometimes these things DO happen. Why? I don’t know. Probably because the devil is a jerk and he’s been wreaking havoc on this earth and on mankind for thousands of years. He hates us. One thing I do know is that God doesn’t cause bad things to happen. He’s a loving and good Father and wants to give good things to His children.

As born-again, Jesus followers, we are indeed promised an abundant life. But, that doesn’t mean we’re always spared from the hardships of this temporal world. The Bible clearly says that we WILL go through various types of trials. So what’s your point, you may ask?

In my own life, some of “my own worst fears,” have come true (which by the way, I don’t claim any fear as my own, anymore!). These situations were HARD…excruciatingly painful to my soul…more than I thought I could bear as I experienced them. But, God…

In the midst of chaos, pain, deception, lies and loss, I had peace. Peace that didn’t make sense. Strength that kept me putting one foot in front of the other each day. Wisdom to make the right decision. Trusted mentors and friends who held me up when I thought I might fall. You see, my God promised to be with me through the fire and with me through the flood and boy, was He ever faithful!

I chose this passage of scripture in Joshua today because of what Joshua is saying to the people. He’s getting ready to die and he’s encouraging them to look back over his life and see what God has done. God had proven Himself faithful and good, time and time again and He will continue to do so if they would keep loving Him and keep their eyes focused on Him, even when their enemies surrounded them.

When I look back over my life thus far, I see God’s hand on my every moment. He’s seen me through some very difficult times and I have confidence that no matter what I face, even “the worst” things, He will be with me and I will make it through. I can make it through anything with God by my side! And He’ll take every bit of my trials and turn them into something beautiful. You see, with God, nothing is wasted. He makes ALL things beautiful in His time.

Trials and storms change us. We don’t come out the same person we were before. Things are never quite the same. When grapes are crushed and pressed, a new wine is produced. It’s up to us whether we allow this new wine to be bitter or sweet. And that is determined by our faith in and reliance upon God through the trial. Do we allow Him to take this opportunity and refine us and draw us closer to Him or do we turn our back on Him and blame Him? His Word says that He is close to the broken hearted and those crushed in spirit.

I encourage you to stop imagining or even anticipating that your “worst fears” may come true. Instead, focus on your Good Father who promises to walk with you through every storm. And if you’re in the midst of a storm, hold on, Help is near. Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Lean on Him. Spend time with Him every day, as much as possible. He’ll guide you through this.

Here is a beautiful encouraging passage I found that is very fitting:

“God goes before you to lead you, God goes behind you to protect you, God goes beneath you to support you, God goes beside you to befriend you. Do not be afraid.”