Today’s Reflection: Deut. 20:8 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.
Fear is contagious. Remember the ten doubting brethren? Remember how they caused the hearts of the people to melt by bringing back an evil report from spying out the Promised Land? Instead of speaking faith, they chose to speak of the giants and the challenges and their doubts and fears. It was so contagious that it spread throughout nearly the entire camp, and as a result, those doubting never entered into the promised land. You’ll miss your blessing by giving heed to fears and doubts that cause you to become fainthearted in the battle. In our text, these officers were commanded that when they filtered through their potential soldiers for battle, that if one was fearful and fainthearted, he was to be sent back home. Why? Because fear is like a cancer, and it will spread if you don’t cut it out! And so it is with us; too often we form our expectations of what is possible by what our doubtful brethren have to say, rather than what God has already spoken. It would do us all some good if we would surround ourselves with faith-filled people, and keep ourselves (as much as possible) away from those who are always fearful and fainthearted. We must learn how to walk in faith, even if it means learning how to walk alone. We certainly don’t need any input into our spirits that comes from anyone of a doubtful or fearful disposition. Consider your sources! Determine not to be that one who is always questioning things and skeptical to the point of fear and doubt; and then, be sure not to hang around those who have this kind of faith-less demeanor. If you don’t take these precautions, it will eventually drain the very life out of you. Don’t allow anything or anybody to rob you of your faith, but especially not the brethren! It’s not worth it! I personally have observed first-hand the devastating and widespread effects that a fearful and fainthearted spirit has on a group of people; namely, the church. I am sad to say that in recent years many of God’s people have been SO fearful and fainthearted about what is going on in the world that instead of focusing on the promises of God’s word and the power of His Majesty, they choose rather to focus on the problems, just digging themselves deep into doubt and fear. SNAP OUT OF IT!! BELIEVE GOD!! BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE!! GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!! DO NOT FAINT!!
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Floodgates of Heaven, Volume 2, Entry 73 of 365
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copyright © by Gary D. Caudill
