"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.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
