Topic: Take Courage [DCLM Daily Manna 2 November 2020 Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Click HERE for Previous MESSAGES by Pastor Kumuyi

Text: Deuteronomy 20:1-9 (KJV)

1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people,

3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

4 For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

5 And the officers shall speak unto the people, saying, What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.

6 And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it.

7 And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.

8 And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, 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.

9 And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people.

Key Verse: “And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them.” – (Deuteronomy 20:3)

MESSAGE:

Fear is like paralysis that renders the body ineffective to perform its functions. Fear is false experiences appearing real. It often makes a victim out of a victor. Many have lost opportunities, forfeited rare privileges and even died before their time due to fear. Those who will win the battle of life must first and foremost overcome fear.

Also Read: Open Heaven 2 November 2020 – The Saints And The Wicked

That is the crux of our text today. It centres on the instructions Moses gave to the Israelites as regards the battles they would face with their enemies in the Promised Land. Moses made it clear that battles would surely come, but the priests should inspire the people to face the battle with courage and faith. Those who were disposed to fight must be encouraged against fear because God was with them. But the faint-hearted were to be sent back home with those whose private property and personal affairs called for their attention. Captains and leaders were to be chosen from those who overcame their fear and were ready for battle.

Those who make appreciable progress in life are those who in spite of challenges, fear and danger, move in faith. Life itself is full of battles and challenges orchestrated by Satan and his agents, yet those who have personal relationship with God through salvation in Christ have assurance of His abiding presence and help. We need not fear, for the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Israel is our refuge.

Just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we sometimes face overwhelming challenges and oppositions in life. It could be at workplace or even in the family and the battle may appear hopeless.

Yet for the true believer whose faith is anchored in God like Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego, God has assured: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”. Let us have faith in God to see us through in times of trials.

Thought For The Day: Faith in God overcomes in any battle of life.

The Bible In One Year: Jeremiah 33-35

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.