3/31 Deuteronomy 7:21

²¹ You shall not be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God.

The Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land for the second time. The first time they prepared to enter, the bad report from the spies caused them to be fearful and doubt God. This time God commanded them not to fear. He reminded them of what He did to Pharaoh, to his army, and to those who had attacked them as the journeyed in the wilderness. Past victories should bolster our faith to believe God for what lies before us.

The main reason not to fear is that God is in our midst. For the follower of Jesus this means God is in the congregation and in them personally. We may suffer persecution, illness, and other hardship, but we need not fear. The all-powerful God who loves us is in us and working through us when we allow Him that freedom. He works all things together for good. He will be our guide, even unto our death.

As Jesus faced the cross, I'm sure He was concerned about the suffering of His body, but not fearful. What He may have feared as a man was those hours of separation from the Father. Thankfully, we need not fear that, for He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Our great and awesome God will see us through this life and all its struggles and receive us into glory! Jesus has gone before us, and He will show us the way.

Remember: Past victories should bolster our faith to believe and trust in God for what lies before us. Are you trusting God for what lies before you today?