Deuteronomy 20:1-9
focus on vs 1: "...Do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt will be with you."
The Israelites time in the wilderness is almost ending and they are to prepare themselves for what is next. God wants to assure them, there will be war, “[but] do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt will be with you.” A few characteristics of God is shown in this passage. God is protector. He is our strength. and He has saved His people before, proving that he is faithful. This makes me think, as things are starting to start up and social distancing rules are loosening, and more of us are interacting more closely: what are some challenges that might give me fear? How do these fears about my physical well being become a spiritual battle?
For me, I realized that as we get back to being busier, I am more afraid of getting distant from God than I am of getting sick. During the quarantine, I’ve had the blessing of being able to worship at home with my guitar, but when quarantine is over, will the only time I touch my guitar be when I have to prepare something for church? I like being busy; will that cause me to miss moments when God wants me to present the gospel to other people? But for others, they may also be afraid of becoming sick or spreading sickness, because their work is more risky, or because they are immunocompromised.
For all of us, I believe it is good to remember that God is our shield and strength. God has been and will always be faithful to us. Let us ask for His help to face every battle ahead of us.
