Fear Factor

"Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too." (Deuteronomy 20:8)

The presence of fear indicates a lack of trust. Israel was not to trust in the size of its army, but in God alone. God allows and would prefer desertion so the seed of mistrust and fear would not begin to grow and distract from His commands and purposes.

How afraid are we Christians? How fainthearted am I? Are we more content to see our churches grow in numbers than we are willing to give the command and permission for those afraid to go home? Is their mistrust collectively clogging our ears to hear and cementing our feet from going? Are you disheartened?

"Lord Jesus, cause me not to tremble. May others faithlessness or mistrust be overcome by your greatness. Heal my fear. I yearn to obediently and courageously battle for You and your namesake!"