"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE ARE AFRAID OF FAILURE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE ARE AFRAID OF FAILURE"

Deut 31:8 “And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” NKJV

Deut 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.” NLT

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:

1. These are the Words of God through Moses to the Children of Israel as they were getting ready to go into the promised land, after 40 years of wandering around in the circles because of the unbelief of their forefathers. 

2. Please notice the very first thing that is said to them. "Do not be afraid or discouraged" This statement by God to "not be afraid" or something similar, like, "do not fear" or "fear not" is repeated in Scripture literally, hundreds, and hundreds of times. 

3. So, these are two things that God said to the people. These two truths from God are of course very helpful, in light of the failures of the past. As they were preparing for the future, they must have been experiencing fear and discouragement, or the all knowing, gracious, comfort giving, strengthener of souls, would not have said, "Do not be afraid or discouraged. 

4. What do these these two things mean? 

(1) Do not be afraid, means, terrible, dreadful, to terrify, to shoot. 

(2) Discouraged, or dismayed, means, to break in pieces, to be shattered. To be broken. 

5. But why? Or how can we not be afraid or discouraged and dismayed. Well, God tells us right here in the verse. Let's take one more look at it. 

Deut 31:8 “And the LORD, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” NKJV

Please notice, that there are four specific things/truths, that God says about Himself, that are the basis of His counsel to them, to not be afraid of failure. 

(1) He is the one who goes before you.

(2) He will be with you.

(3) He will not leave you. 

(4) He will not forsake you. 

6. So, if you are afraid today of failure, of failing, may I encourage you to read this verse, think about what God says, pray about what God says, thank Him for what He has said to You, and then step out in faith and move forward. Because You have a promise from God who cannot lie.

A prayer:

Father, we thank You first of all, that You make promises, and that You cannot lie. Therefore we know that we can trust You. You are faithful, You are dependable, You do what You say You will do. You never fail, we do, but You do not. And, we can find strength to face our own fear of failure by looking to You, and believing You, and acting upon Your Word. Thank You Lord, In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.