I have been reminded lately of several truths from scripture regarding the promises of God, specifically from the life of Joshua.

Joshua 1:1-9—God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous. This encouragement was repeated three times by God (vs. 6, 7, 9), repeated once by the people (v. 18), and had even been spoken earlier by Moses (Deut. 31:8). Joshua’s strength for the battles ahead would be based on God’s promises to him. Those same promise are for you and me!

Joshua 3:10—Joshua encourages the people as they prepare to cross the Jordan River. How did Joshua know this would happen? He was believing God’s promises he was given earlier for victory!

Arthur Matthews, Missionary with the China Inland Mission, said in his book, Born For Battle, “Satan is a panic artist . . .he stimulates in us a panic to act according to the immediate predicament we are in, without taking time to lay hold of the objective facts of God’s promises.” The worst thing any of us can do when it comes to any fear inducing situation is to react rashly based on the immediate panic we may feel. We have to step back from the situation, pray, and be patient to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit of God, then obey accordingly. He will never leave us and He is always there to be our helper (Hebrews 13:5-6).

It is extremely important for us to remember what the Apostle John writes in the opening of his Gospel in Chapter 1 verses 4-5, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The light is never supposed to flee from the darkness because the light drives out the dark! Jesus Christ Himself is the Light of the World. We know that, “...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

No matter what you may be facing in your life and ministry, remember these promises that our Gracious God has given to us that have been born again. But, it’s up to us to believe these mighty promises regarding victory in our lives. We must rely upon and appropriate each one to gain the victory over our circumstances and fear for His Honor and Glory! Will you trust Him today?