Strong And Courageous: Leadership Lessons From The Book Of JoshuaSample

I remember when my kids were afraid of bees and wasps. I would say, “They’re more afraid of you than you are of them.” It sure is funny to watch a child realize, “Oh, yeah. I’m 1000 times the size of this thing. It can sting me, but I can kill it.”

In Joshua chapter 2, Israel sends spies into Jericho’s enemy land to see if there’s anything to fear. They want to know how they will go about winning a victory in this land. In Joshua 2:9, Rahab, a native of Jericho, tells the Israelite spies that everyone in her city is afraid of them. It turns out Jericho was far more fearful of Israel than Israel was of Jericho. We get to read the conclusion of the story several chapters later as God helps Israel conquer Jericho. God was on their side just as He is on yours today.

Do not let fear paralyze you. I can guarantee, if you are doing the work of the Lord in your life and business, there is an enemy that fears you. Don’t fear him. With God on your side, you are like 1000 times the size of your “enemy.”

I remember in Genesis when God prophesied about Jesus’ interaction with the enemy.

“He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15b

The imagery here is powerful. The enemy’s head is the size of your heel.

A few times when we have felt like we were in a no-win situation with our company, we saw this as an attack of the enemy. We knew not to be afraid. We prayed, trusted the Lord, and kept our faith. During those times, I had to keep going back to the Lord (often, multiple times a day) to remember to keep my mind stayed on Him. He has always been faithful.

Often, a situation that appears crushing in nature turns out to be nothing more than a sting. And God turns that sting into a blessing as it makes our faith and confidence stronger.

Don’t lead with fear. Remember that whatever you’re afraid of is more fearful of you. Stay in prayer and obey God, and you will walk away with nothing more than a sting or a nip at the heel.

What do you fear?