Tag Archives: Courage

Outnumbered, Outgunned… but Not Outdone

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“One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised you.” (Joshua 23:10)

There’s a strange kind of math in the kingdom of God. One man puts a thousand to flight? I’ve seen some men run a thousand yards after finding a wasp in their car, but I’ve yet to witness a solo warrior send an entire enemy brigade packing. And yet here it is in Joshua 23:10—a promise, not a proverb. A God-given reality, not just a motivational poster for the local men’s ministry.

But the point isn’t that one believer is just that impressive. The point is: the Lord is.

Joshua is giving his farewell address here. He’s no longer the sword-swinging, river-parting, Jericho-flattening commander of old. He’s gray, probably tired, and speaking like a man who knows the hourglass is nearly empty. He reminds the people of what they’ve seen: impossible victories, unlikely conquests, the sheer absurdity of walking around a city seven times and watching the walls do a spontaneous trust fall.

Why did these things happen? “Because the Lord your God fought for you.” That’s the math. That’s the power. That’s the only way one faithful follower sends a thousand foes packing.

But the verse doesn’t stand alone in a vacuum of divine comfort. It comes wrapped in covenantal cloth. In verse 6, Joshua says, “Be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses.” In other words: God will fight for you—so obey Him.

Here’s the mystery and majesty of life in Christ: we are called to act with strength and courage, to “act like men” as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:13—not because we are the source of strength, but because we know the One who is. It’s not a call to swagger. It’s a call to stand.

We stand because He stands with us.

We act boldly, not because we have it all together (spoiler: we don’t), but because God has bound Himself to us by promise. The same God who told Joshua, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” is the One who tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Yes, weakness. That’s not exactly what you put on the résumé under “Core Strengths.” But in God’s kingdom, weakness is the invitation for divine strength to show up and flex.

So what does this mean for us?

It means when you’re outnumbered—when the odds are bad, the culture is loud, and you feel like the only one still standing for truth—don’t panic. One plus God is still a majority.

It means when obedience feels costly, when faithfulness looks like foolishness to the world, when you’re asked to do hard things (say no to sin, love your enemies, forgive the unforgivable), don’t flinch. God doesn’t command without also equipping.

And it means that though the battle is the Lord’s, He’s still called you to the field. Not the couch. Not the bunker. The field.

The promise is clear: “The Lord your God fights for you.” The duty is just as clear: “Be very careful… to love the Lord your God” (v. 11). That’s covenantal logic—grace fuels gratitude, and gratitude expresses itself in obedience.

It’s not that you fight so that God will love you. It’s that God fights because He loves you—and your response is to love Him back with your life, your loyalty, and yes, your strength.

So act like men. Stand strong. Obey with courage. But do so with a joyful dependence on the One who puts the thousand to flight.

And maybe keep your car windows closed when driving past a wasp nest—just to be safe.

SDG

Do Not Be Afraid

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There have been a few times in my life when I have been struck by genuine fear and terror.

Maybe the first time I had a paralyzing fear was when I heard of the bombing in Oklahoma City. I was just married, living in Kansas, and I never thought that this kind of home grown terror would ever strike so close.

That was until I watched the Twin Towers fall on 9/ll. We were uncertain of the cause, unsure of what this kind of global terrorism would mean for our future, and I was genuinely concerned for our friends who lived in New York City.

Perhaps the worst fear I’ve ever known, though, was the time my  youngest son was hit in the chest and stopped breathing. In the midst of prayers and tears I administered chest compressions until the ambulance arrived. He’s fine, healthy, and strong. But I knew fear that day.

We live in an age of fear. There is a virus spreading around the world and no one is sure how easily it spreads or how lethal it may be. Affecting more than just the physical health of the world, the markets have taken a beating as business are shutting down and citizens are required to shelter in place. The media only seems to fuel and thrive off of the ensuing panic. I visit with church members and fear is the thing that we are dealing with; fear of the future, fear of the virus, fear of the unknown.

Isn’t it remarkable then, to know that the most often command repeated in Scripture to the people of God is this: “Do not be Afraid.” Just a quick search on Logos Bible Software brought up over 85 occurrences of this direct command from God. I don’t have the space to write of all the times this charge is given in God’s Word – so allow me to summarize.

The command is given when the people are rightfully afraid:

When they were facing tremendous obstacles – For example, when Joshua was leading the people into the promised land, repeatedly God commands him to be of good courage, to have no fear. When enemies were attacking, God would often remind his prophets and people not to fear, for He would be with them to deliver and protect them (Isa 41 & 43; Jer 42; Ps 46).

When they are encountering God – We especially hear the command “Do not fear” when the Lord appears to His people. When the angel of the Lord visits (Abram, Hagar, Gideon, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds in Luke 2, etc.), the people are rightfully terrified.  They are in the presence of the Holy One, and they are not holy, therefore standing under the judgment of God.

In every circumstance, whether encountering the living God, or facing the terrifying circumstances of the day, the repeated command is clear: Do not be afraid.

Why?  What is the source of courage in the face of terror. What assurance do we have in overwhelming circumstances? What hope do sinners have in the presence of a holy God?

We do not fear for God is with His people. Isaiah 41:1 & 5 say, “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine… Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.'”

God is for His people. Rev. 2:10 says, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

I think it is helpful to remember in the midst of trials and suffering that God is greater than the terror we are facing; and God often works through seasons like these to bring about His ultimate purpose for His glory. What man, or nature, intends for our harm, God uses to draw us close to Him, to help us see His mighty hand is able to save, and to wean us from the false and empty gods of this age.

So I encourage you, d.o not be afraid. I know that is easier said than done. But remember His promises. Remember His goodness. Remember what God has done for you in Jesus Christ to bring about your salvation. And remember, if God has done all of that for you, nothing you face in this life can ever separate you from God’s love and saving grace (Rom 8:38-39).  Do not be afraid in these times, but look to your Savior Jesus Christ and be of good courage.

SDG