What fears prevent us from taking possession of God's promises like Israel? Key Verse “See, the LORD your God has set the land before you. Go up and take possession…” (Deuteronomy 1:21a) “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 1:21c) Setting the Scene: Israel Hesitates at the Edge of Canaan The nation has already seen the Red Sea part, manna fall, and Sinai blaze, yet at Kadesh-Barnea they freeze. Reports of giants and high walls smother faith, and an entire generation misses what was already theirs. The Fears That Hold Us Back—Just Like Israel • Fear of Overwhelming Opposition – “The people are bigger and taller than we are” (Deuteronomy 1:28) – We still stare at “giants” of culture, finances, addiction, sickness. • Fear of Personal Inadequacy – “We cannot attack the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31) – Moses once said, “Who am I…?” (Exodus 3:11). We echo that when God calls us. • Fear of Change and the Unknown – Wilderness life was hard but predictable; Canaan meant new battles, new routines. • Fear of Failure and Shame – The spies feared the ridicule of defeat; we fear looking foolish if faith “doesn’t work.” • Fear of Cost and Sacrifice – Canaan required circumcision (Joshua 5) and warfare; God’s promises today require obedience, generosity, surrender. • Fear Born of Unbelief – “So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:19) – At root, fear whispers, “God may not come through.” Consequences of Bowing to Fear • Forty years of wandering—lost time, lost opportunities. • A whole generation dies short of destiny. • Ongoing anxiety replaces God’s intended rest (Hebrews 4:1). God’s Antidote to Every Fear • His Presence – “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • His Power – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) • His Provision – “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” (Philippians 4:19) • His Perfect Love – “You did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear.” (Romans 8:15) – “I sought the LORD… He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4) Taking Possession Today: Practical Steps of Courage 1. Identify the specific promise God is highlighting—write it down. 2. Name the fear that pushes back—drag it into the light. 3. Confront that fear with a clear scripture and speak it aloud. 4. Act in obedience while still feeling afraid; courage grows in motion. 5. Surround yourself with “Joshua and Caleb” voices—people who feed faith, not fear. 6. Celebrate small advances; every step into the promise confirms God’s faithfulness. The land is set before us. The same God who parted the sea still says, “Go up and take possession.” |
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