H
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do
fear anytime I fly or travel the tallest overpass or bow-hunt in a
Joshua 1:9
pastor, when a group of students challenged me to go rock-
God is with you wherever you go.”
Light was fading and our evening hunt was coming to an end.
tall tree. You can imagine how terrified I was as a young youth repelling. Peer pressure led me to comply. A guide led me up a tall mountain to the edge of a cliff. He gave me instructions
As darkness enveloped the hayfield where we were waiting for
– secure the harness, connect the rope, and grasp the carabiner.
our all-terrain vehicle to head for home. We hadn’t made it
edge!
a deer, my oldest son and I began to make the short walk to
very far when, in the distance, a pack of coyotes unexpectedly
Now, step to the edge of the cliff, turn around, and fall off the
announced their presence with a serenade of howls and yelps.
My blood pressure began to elevate, sweat began to build,
voice trembled with fear and concern while his steps accelerated.
before me grinning from ear to ear and spoke bluntly, “Dude, I
“Dad,” my son said, “let’s walk faster to the four-wheeler.” His
I calmly encouraged him, “It’s okay, bud. I’m right here with you. We have a flashlight and a gun. Everything is going to
and fearful thoughts of failure filled my mind. The guide stood got you! Just relax and step off the cliff.”
be just fine.” My words of affirmation calmed my son’s fear;
What I didn’t know then, but I do now, is that the guide had me
pace. In that moment, I was reminded of the significance of
guide was in complete control. He held onto me. He never left
he smiled at me peacefully, and his stride slowed to a leisurely my presence in my son’s life. And my son reminded me of the importance of God’s presence in mine!
tethered to himself. During the entire exhilarating descent, the me. He was with me the entire time! I understand, now, what he meant by, “Dude, I got you!”
Joshua also needed to be reminded of God’s manifest presence.
Sometimes I need to be reminded that “God’s got me.”
of Israel - was dead, God’s promises and plans for His people
Immanuel, which means “God with us.” A most encouraging
Although Moses - Joshua’s mentor and the legendary leader never die.
God passed the baton of leadership to Joshua,
giving him the daunting task of leading God’s people into the
Sometimes I need to be reminded of the name of Jesus, component of the Christian life is Christ in us! If you’ve trusted in Christ as Savior, then greater is He that is in you than He that
land of blessing and promise.
is in the world. And if God is for us, then who can be against us?
God commanded Joshua: Be strong. Be courageous. Do not
So, are you afraid? Read the verse again. This time, slowly.
probability of a potential problem. Joshua’s journey leading
you.
be afraid. Do not be dismayed. Each command implied the
the nation of Israel into the land of promise was difficult. It included countless obstacles and intense resistance. But God
Now obey Him, trust Him, and rest in His presence. God’s got
reassured Joshua with a promise--the promise of His presence.
Dr. Jacob Fitzgerald is crazy about baseball and all things sports
that led Joshua to success. In the end, Joshua isn’t the hero of
for 12 years and have two won-
The presence of God was the source of strength and comfort the story; God is.
Do you ever struggle with fear? We live in a world with no shortage of things to worry about and much to fear: weather,
war, political unrest, economic collapse, terrorism, sickness
and death, to name a few. Fear is debilitating, discouraging, and destructive. God does not want us to live overwhelmed by
fear, so He offers us His presence. The presence of God has the power to eliminate doubt, instill courage, and calm every fear.
May2019.indd 57
Speaking of fear, I don’t like heights. I am forced to overcome
not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your
related. He and his beautiful wife, Micaela, have been married
derful boys, Samuel and Grant.
Dr. Fitzgerald has been a preacher for 18 years and now serves as
the Pastor of Denman Avenue
Baptist Church in Lufkin. When he's not preaching, you can find
him coaching his boys' baseball
teams, enjoying the outdoors or raising chickens!
4/12/19 3:45 PM