“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ” (Joshua 1:9, NLT).
With the vision of God's Promised Land just within their grasp the Israelites couldn't muster enough faith to face the giants who lived there. For years they wandered in the desert knowing their promise was just within reach, but they also knew that they would have to overcome obstacles to receive it. It would not be handed to them on a silver platter. They lived in fear of what it would cost.
Does this sound like you? You see your vision and understand God's promise awaits your action, but you just can't make the commitment to reach for it because of the fear of what it will cost. It might cost money or time or work. But that is not the most important cost. It will cost your complete surrender and it will cost faith. That is the payment that is required. Do you want the promise, but don’t want to face the giant of your own fear of what may happen? Instead of reaching for His promise do you become settled and comfortable where you are? No one wants to face the possibility of failure. Your promised land is within reach, but it requires obedience, commitment, and faith in God. You will have to risk to receive.
God told His people then, and He tells us now, to be strong and courageous, to be obedient and committed. Know the Word. Fill your mind and heart with its promise and the strength that it brings to receive His promise. Do not be afraid, and never be discouraged. Reach out and make the commitment that is needed to receive His promise. Disillusionment and discouragement will retreat with commitment to Him. Fear will vanish with action. When you step out of the boat in faith, you will walk on water because He is your “paraclete”—the omnipotent God who comes along your side to keep you from drowning. He is your advocate and greatest supporter.
Are you sitting on the edge of your vision for your Promised Land? “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1, NLT). Faith gives you the assurance that those giants are nothing when faced with the power of God. Faith is your confidence to move forward in His will for your life believing He brings about His promise. “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36, NIV).
What is your vision? What has God promised you? If you are wandering in a desert of dry bones it is time to speak life to what God has promised. “God will make this happen,” Paul wrote, “for he who calls you is faithful” (I Thessalonians 5:24, NLT). His Spirit bids you come. Step out of your boat, and move forward trusting God will supply all you need to overcome any obstacle. The depths of those waters won’t drown you. With your spirit, soul, and body yielded to His purpose you will walk on water.
(Copyright 2017 Lynn Hampton Lacher)
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