What other biblical examples show God providing reassurance before a challenging task? Judges 7:9—A Pattern Worth Noticing “That night the LORD said to Gideon, ‘Get up and go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand.’” God speaks first, gives assurance, and only then sends Gideon into the battle. Scripture repeats that pattern again and again. Old-Testament Snapshots of Reassurance Before a Task • Abraham – Genesis 15:1: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.” • Before the covenant is cut and long before Isaac is offered, God quiets Abram’s fears. • Moses – Exodus 3:12; 4:12: “I will surely be with you”; “I will help you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” • A burning bush, two promises of presence, and only then the march to Pharaoh. • Joshua – Joshua 1:5-6, 9: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you”; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Reassurance repeats three times before the Jordan is crossed. • Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1:8-9: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you…Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.” • A timid teenager becomes a fearless prophet because God speaks first. • Elijah – 1 Kings 19:18: “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel…” • The prophet hears of a faithful remnant before he is sent to anoint kings and confront Baal once more. • Zerubbabel & Joshua – Haggai 2:4-5: “Be strong…work, for I am with you…My Spirit remains among you; do not be afraid.” • Discouraged builders are steadied before the temple work resumes. New-Testament Snapshots of Reassurance Before a Task • Mary – Luke 1:30: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” • The call to bear the Messiah comes wrapped in calming words. • Joseph – Matthew 1:20: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” • Reassurance precedes the risky obedience of marrying a pregnant virgin. • Peter – Luke 5:10: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” • Courage is granted before nets are left and a new mission begins. • Paul at Corinth – Acts 18:9-10: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking…For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you.” • Words of safety strengthen him for a year-and-a-half of church-planting. • Paul in Jerusalem – Acts 23:11: “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.” • Nighttime encouragement steels him for prison, storms, and Caesar’s court. • John on Patmos – Revelation 1:17-18: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last… I hold the keys of Death and Hades.” • Before visions of cosmic upheaval, the risen Christ lays a steadying hand on His servant. Threads That Tie the Stories Together • Presence—God’s reassurances almost always include “I am with you.” • Purpose—He defines the mission so His people know exactly why they are going. • Protection—Fear is addressed directly; God pledges shielding, favor, or ultimate victory. • Power—The Lord often gives a sign, a word, or a touch that imparts the strength required. Living the Pattern Today Because the same Lord never changes, His pattern endures. Before He calls His people into something daunting—whether ministry, parenting, leadership, or suffering—He still speaks through His Word, confirms His presence by His Spirit, and anchors courage in His unbreakable promises. |
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