Don't Let Fear Determine Your Destiny

“Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.’”
Numbers 14:6-9

The Monster job search platform was running a commercial with the tag line “Don’t let fear determine your destiny” as I prepared to write this particular devotion. At the center of the commercial a young woman - whose career choice seems to go against conventional thinking – has found contentment in her choice, thanks to Monster of course. However, there is some truth to be found in that tag line. How often do we let fear keep us from being exactly who we are supposed to be, from being where we are supposed to be and from doing what we are supposed to be doing?

As I thought about that, the whole Biblical narrative that this week’s passage comes from came to mind. God using Moses, Aaron and Miriam had led the people out of Egypt. HE had been with them as they traveled to the edge of the Promised Land, HE had provided for them, everything they needed. They had witnessed miracle after miracle along the way. Now standing on the brink of the amazing life God had promised them, they rebelled because of they were afraid.

In this week’s passage, two of the men who had been on the “scouting” team – Joshua and Caleb passionately plea with their countrymen to fear not, to stay focused on God and not rebel against him. Unfortunately, their pleas fall on deaf ears – ears deafened by fear. Only Caleb and Joshua would live to see the Promise Land, their faith in the power of their God would see them safely to the land of milk and honey – they didn’t let fear determine their destiny.

What about you, Is God calling you to something new, something better, something outside your comfort zone? Will you be like Israelites who refused to take the land God wanted and was ready to give them or will you be like Joshua and Caleb ready to go whenever God gives the green light.

This world is a scary place and God likes calling us out of our comfort zones into something new and better – don’t let fear determine your destiny.

A Prayer
Father, you know how prone we are to fear. Be with us in a new way this week so that we are filled with your love that drives out fear. Be for us the courage we need to live an obedient and abundant life. Help us to live fearlessly in this scary world and in so doing shine the light of Christ. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.