What similar assurances does God provide elsewhere in Scripture for overcoming obstacles? The Promise in Numbers 21:34 “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, along with all his people and his land.” God speaks before the battle even begins, presenting victory as a settled fact. This same pattern—command to reject fear, followed by assurance of God’s decisive help—echoes throughout Scripture. God’s Repeated “Do Not Fear” Pledges • Deuteronomy 31:6 — “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” • Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Assurance for Leaders Facing Giant Tasks • Exodus 3:12 — “Certainly I will be with you,” God tells Moses at the burning bush. • Jeremiah 1:8 — “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” • Acts 18:9–10 — “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking… for I am with you,” the Lord tells Paul in Corinth. Comfort in the Midst of Warfare • Psalm 27:1 — “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” • Psalm 46:1–2 — “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed….” • 2 Chronicles 20:17 — “You need not fight this battle. Take your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD with you.” Victory Secured in Christ • John 16:33 — “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” • Romans 8:31 — “If God is for us, who can be against us?” • 1 Corinthians 15:57 — “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” • 1 John 4:4 — “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Strength for Everyday Obstacles • Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Hebrews 13:6 — “So we say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” How These Assurances Work Together • God’s presence: the core reason fear loses its grip (Numbers 21:34; Isaiah 41:10). • God’s promise: victory is spoken before the fight begins (Joshua 1:3; Romans 8:37). • God’s power: not a vague support but an active, covenant-keeping force that secures deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:17; 1 Corinthians 15:57). • Our response: reject fear, stand firm, step forward in obedience, trusting His word more than circumstances. Because the God of Moses has not changed, the assurances He voiced then still stand today, inviting confident, obedient steps in the face of every obstacle. |
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