Daily Companion  | 7 October

THE FAITH AND FATE OF THE FEARFUL 

Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from Mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand, and there remained ten thousand.  -Judges 7:3

General Gideon had assembled the army to fight the Midianites but he knew that without the divine help, victory was uncertain. Israel had a large army but the majority were afraid of dying in the battle. The majority was not ready to "cross the Rubicon" with Gideon and he knew this. To make it easier for them and to avoid false-claiming the glory, God asked Gideon to size down the army. "Whosever is fearful and afraid, let him return." About 22,000 soldiers returned!

That was not the first time fearful soldiers would be excused from the army of Israel. In Deuteronomy 20, God delivered the standard operation procedures (SOP) for the Israeli Army. "When you go in battle against your enemy" let the commanding officer ask, "What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart." (Deuteronomy 20:1,8)

Dear friend, the fearful and afraid have no portion in the kingdom of God. God is never pleased with a fearful heart. The fearful heart is doubtful, has little faith (or its lack) and may negatively influence many others' hearts into such an ungodly and retrogressive path. The fearful will not make heaven. Revelation 21:8 says, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, ...shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Like the majority of Gideon's army, many today are fearful, anxious, and scared of embarking on a fierce battle against the enemy. No one ever gets scared when they stay focused on God because it is always peaceful with Him. In the worst scenarios, unpleasant events may occur, but God is always around to calm the raging storms. David knew the importance of having God in sight while he was faced with persecutions and tribulations. “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22). Prophet Isaiah said, “I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2). 

"Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Jesus asked the disciples.(Matthew 8:26). What betides you that you are about to deny God? Scare of the oppression by night? Worried about the future or your finances? Worried about your family? Calm down first and look up to God. “The effect of righteousness [shall be] quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17). Put away sinful habits and seek God’s righteousness today. The righteous is bold as a lion because God is with him. Have faith in God’s saving grace, then He “in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). With Christ, all fears are dispelled. 

Today’s Recite: Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you. - Isaiah 35:4 (KJV)

Today’s Morning Prayers:  O God I thank You for always being our peace. I confess and renounce the spirit of fear in my life. Help me to always remain focused on You. Everything that seems to intimidate me I remove in Jesus name. Give me Your righteousness, boldness and strength O Lord. Speak peace to my life and family today in Jesus' might name I pray! Amen! 

Today’s Hymn: STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

Today’s ReadMe:  John 11-13