Life rarely unfolds in easy to understand patterns and that leaves many wishing for step by step instructions showing what to do next.
If you are facing an uncertain future, maybe this passage, written thousands of years ago, will help.
“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: ‘Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies.
“Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’ The officers shall say to the army… ‘Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too’” (Deuteronomy 20:1-8).
I like this passage because it reminds them that they are not alone. They may think that they are, but God is always with them.
I like the fact that God uses several different ways to say, “Do not be afraid.” Seven times in these eight verses, they are told to be brave and show some courage. The way we face our battles is often as important as the battles themselves.
I like that it is the priest who addresses the army first. We would expect a general to have the first word, but the priest is God’s spokesperson and he speaks first because this army and this battle belong to God. God is in control and he will determine what happens.
Lastly, I find it interesting that he tells the fearful to go home. When we are afraid, we are of little use to God. Wringing our hands and imagining all the worst outcomes not only robs us of the joy that we have today, but it weakens us so that we cannot face tomorrow correctly either.
Someone once said, “If you don’t know what will happen, guess positively.” Generally, that is good advice, but for believers it is essential.
The future may not be clear, but there is no need to be uncertain about God’s care for us.
