Courage – Deuteronomy 20:1
When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.
The Highway of Holiness is for the courageous and steadfast,for those who have placed their trust in the Lord. As they travel along its winding stretches through foreign lands, its journeymen will face mighty, well-armed enemies determined to crush their spirits. Though its travelers are not strong enough to fight the battle alone,they need not tremble or panic while passing through its unknown regions or upon encountering the marauders who will attempt to frighten them off this roadway. For the Lord our God goes before them, protecting them, delivering them from all harm, and leading the fight on their behalf.
If we will fix our eyes on the Lord, taking on the spirit of courage, we can walk along this highway’s treacherous territory with our heads held high and our spirits buoyant. Looking not at the enemy who comes against us, but rather to the Lord our God who upholds us, we will walk with the assurance that He will see us safely through each battle and raise a flag of victory as we arrive at our destination.
Therefore, when circumstances cause fear to overtake you, making the light of heaven seem dim and distant, do not falter or quake. When the enemy’s threats cause your heart to faint within you, do not succumb to his worn out tactics, as did the sons of Ephraim, who having seen firsthand the Lord perform miracles on their behalf, forgot all His wonders and turned back when the heat of warfare was upon them.[1] Oh, the joy and delight they missed by refusing to draw on the courage the Lord would have provided for them had they put their faith in Him.
Rather than allowing the enemy to sideline you or turn you off the highway altogether, call upon the Lord in your distress, and He will answer you.[2] Though mighty forces may rise against you, do not be afraid for the Lord cannot be defeated,and He will not allow evil to overcome His beloved. He will demolish your enemies before you,clearing your path, carrying you through dangerous places at precisely the right time.[3]
Be strong and courageous for the Lord fights your battles for you.[4] He will protect and provide for you every day of your life, in every situation, for you are precious to Him. Walk bravely behind the angels He will send to secure the highway[5] and heed wisdom’s instruction, so you will not stumble or fall.[6]
[1] Psalm 78:9-16
[2] Psalm 120:1
[3] Deuteronomy 1:30-31
[4] Joshua 1:9
[5] Exodus 23:20
[6] Proverbs 3:23
