Week 2: Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Sermon Title: “Stepping Out in Faith: Overcoming Fear and Doubt”
Key Scripture: Joshua 1:9
Sermon Focus:
- Address the common fears and doubts that hinder us from seizing opportunities.
- Encourage listeners to trust in God’s promises, step out in faith, and overcome self-limiting beliefs that prevent them from embracing new opportunities.
In Joshua chapter 1, Joshua faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Here’s how Joshua overcame his fear and doubt:
1. God’s Commission: In Joshua 1:1-5, God directly spoke to Joshua, commissioning him to lead the people into the land promised to their ancestors. God assured Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He would be with Joshua, promising to never leave him nor forsake him. This divine calling and assurance provided Joshua with the confidence and reassurance he needed to overcome his fears.
2. God’s Promises: In Joshua 1:6-9, God reiterated His promises to Joshua multiple times. He encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous, assuring him that He would give him success in the task at hand. God instructed Joshua to meditate on His law day and night and to be careful to obey it, promising that he would prosper and find success in all he did. God’s promises gave Joshua a foundation of faith and hope, reminding him that his success was dependent on God’s faithfulness.
3. Trusting in God’s Presence: God reminded Joshua repeatedly of His presence. In Joshua 1:5, God assured Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This promise served as a reminder that Joshua was not alone in his leadership journey; God would go before him and be with him every step of the way. Trusting in God’s unwavering presence allowed Joshua to overcome his fear and doubt.
4. Obedience and Courage: Joshua responded to God’s commission with obedience and courage. In Joshua 1:10-18, Joshua relayed God’s instructions to the Israelite leaders, and they pledged their support and obedience to him.
Joshua’s willingness to:
- step into leadership
- trust God’s promises, and
- take action demonstrated his courage and faith.
5. Remembering Past Victories: Joshua likely drew strength from witnessing God’s faithfulness in the past. He had been one of the twelve spies who explored the Promised Land forty years earlier, and he had seen God’s power and provision. Remembering these past victories and God’s faithfulness likely bolstered Joshua’s confidence as he stepped into his new role.
Here are some instances of God’s power that Joshua would have witnessed during that time:
1. Crossing of the Red Sea: Joshua would have been among the Israelites when God miraculously parted the waters of the Red Sea, allowing them to cross on dry land while escaping from the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14).
2. Manna and Quail: Joshua would have experienced God’s provision of manna, the bread from heaven, that sustained the Israelites throughout their journey in the wilderness (Exodus 16). He also witnessed the miraculous provision of quail when the Israelites desired meat (Exodus 16:13-14).
3. Water from the Rock: Joshua would have seen how God miraculously brought water from a rock to quench the thirst of the Israelites when they were in need (Exodus 17:1-7).
4. Defeat of Amalek: Joshua witnessed the battle against the Amalekites, where Moses held up his hands, and as long as his hands were raised, Israel prevailed. This demonstrated God’s power and victory over their enemies (Exodus 17:8-16).
5. Ten Commandments: Joshua would have been present when God gave the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud (Exodus 19-20).
6. Pillar of Cloud and Fire: Throughout their journey, Joshua saw the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, which represented God’s guiding and protective presence (Exodus 13:21-22).
7. Conquest of Enemies: Joshua witnessed God’s power in defeating the Amorite kings, Sihon and Og, and delivering their lands into the hands of the Israelites (Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11).
The Message
Joshua 1:7-11 NIV “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’ ”
Conclusion
Joshua’s journey from fear and doubt to courage and faith teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s presence, relying on His promises, and obeying His instructions. Through God’s commission, promises, and assurance, Joshua found the strength and courage to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. His story serves as an inspiration for us to trust in God’s faithfulness and overcome our own fears and doubts.