“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9, NKJV).
Fear is one of our greatest enemies. When God gives us an assignment or allows a challenge, panic is often our default response. We feel overwhelmed and underqualified when we depend on our gifts, talents and experiences. I do. I know I fall short of what my Father deserves. Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach? The dread of impending failure? Today, be confident that God goes with you, just as He did for Joshua when he became leader of God’s chosen people after Moses died. Now those are some big shoes to fill!
Being distressed over the unknown is a natural, human frailty but you are not the average, run-of-the-mill human. You have the God of the universe surrounding you, going before you, creating a way around or through trying circumstances. Do not let fear rob you of your faith and peace of mind. You are not alone.
No matter how challenging the circumstances may seem today, no matter how hopeless the situation appears, the Lord is with you. You serve a God who is more than enough and causes you to be stronger than your struggles. {eoa}
Carlos Rivera, pastor, author, speaker, host of Walking in the Spirit podcast and founder of Frontline Men’s Ministry, was raised in Chicago. Rivera worked for Fortune 500 companies before a radical encounter with Jesus changed his course. Carlos and his wife, Rosalinda, are associate pastors at New Life Outreach Church in Richmond, Virginia. They work side by side as executive directors of New Life for adults and youth, helping young men and women get free from substance abuse and other life-controlling problems. The Riveras have been happily married since 1995 and have three children. Carlos ministers worldwide, including Africa, Peru, Brazil and the Dominican Republic, with his family. Carlos is passionate about inspiring and equipping the church to get out of the four walls and into our communities to win the lost for Christ.
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