Deuteronomy 20:3-4. “And ye 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; for the Lord your God is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’”
FEARFUL AND FAINTHEARTED NOT ALL ARE ALIKE Bold as a lion they sound – noisy swelling words and swelling chests – bravery? No obstacles seem to dampen their confidence – or quiet their noise Arrogant strutting as they parade before adoring crowds – they look the part And then the battle: self-confidence leaves – cowering, hiding alone – behind
Quiet-spoken – invisible sense of personhood – wary presence – conscious of surroundings Willing to listen and learn in silence – by observation and by quiet questions Mingling among his fellows – they sense a calmness – confidence in God – trustworthy And then the battle: eyes on the commander – moving on orders – efficient
Fear in their eyes at the word “war” – fainthearted – darting eyes expressive of terror No confidence – weak knees – hands wringing with sweat – yet cold – unable to war Uncertain of themselves and others – palatable fear – apart and alone – a problem to all And then the battle: don’t take them – leave them with the stuff – he can’t help it
Noisy and arrogant; quiet and courageous; fearful and fainthearted – there is work for all One rallies the people stirring the hearts of the masses – awakening them to the need One does the work – not for the praise of men – only to please the One who chose him One returns home – working in the quietness of a field – in safety – to provide for others And the battle: each one had a part – some live – some die – some pray: and victory results!
“All-Powerful God, the battle is here and now yet many do not realize this. The enemy is working unseen forming bulwarks against our Gospel; making fear a reality to some. The fear of man is a real snare here and people hardly know they are afraid because they have gotten comfortable with the enemy. Rouse my heart and soul to rise to the challenges that lie before us in the coming months of Gospel outreach. May the saints be rallied, may the warriors be made ready, may those who supply be ready for their part in the struggle of life or death. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”