DO IT AFRAID: TRUSTING GOD’S PLAN IN UNCERTAINTY
Diana Ordonez
Today’s Scripture: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9, ESV
Theme: Follow God even when we are afraid; do it anyway.
STEPPING INTO FEAR WITH FAITH
When God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, He knew Joshua would face fear. Moses, the great leader who guided the Israelites out of Egypt, was gone. The weight of responsibility now rested on Joshua’s shoulders. God didn’t diminish the challenges ahead or tell Joshua there was nothing to fear. Instead, He commanded him to be strong and courageous – not because the journey would be easy, but because God’s presence would go with him every step of the way.
TAKE THIS CUP FROM ME
As I reflect on this passage, I think about the night before my husband, Juan, passed away. During that time, I was desperate for a miracle. I read Luke 22:42, where Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Those words stirred something in my spirit, and I felt God telling me to surrender to His will. It wasn’t easy. I prayed on my knees, sobbing, begging God to heal Juan and bring him back to us. But in that same prayer, I also surrendered and said, “Lord, let it be Your will, not mine.”
When Juan passed, I felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. I had left my full-time job to start my coaching business, and now I was faced with the fear of doing it alone. I didn’t feel strong or courageous. I felt afraid, overwhelmed, and unsure. Yet even in the midst of my grief, I sensed God’s hand guiding me. Over the years, I’ve seen how He has worked in my life, providing in ways I couldn’t have imagined, even when the biggest prayer I ever prayed wasn’t granted.
COURAGE ISN’T THE ABSENCE OF FEAR
Often, we think courage means we won’t feel fear, but it doesn’t. Courage is trusting God enough to take the next step, even when fear is present. It’s saying, “Lord, I don’t know what’s ahead, but I trust You.”
God’s promise to Joshua wasn’t rooted in Joshua’s abilities – it was rooted in God’s presence. That same promise is available to us. We don’t have to know how everything will work out; we only need to trust the One who goes before us.
DO IT ANYWAY
God doesn’t promise a path without difficulty, but He does promise His presence. Like Joshua, we are called to step forward even when the path seems daunting. There were many times I didn’t feel strong or courageous, but I kept moving forward because I trusted God to guide me. Whatever God is calling you to do, don’t wait for fear to disappear. Do it even while you are afraid, knowing He is with you wherever you go.
Make It Personal: What is God asking you to surrender to Him today? Are you holding back because of fear or uncertainty? Take a moment to reflect on the ways God has been faithful in the past, and trust Him to guide you through what lies ahead.
Pray: Lord, help me to trust You in all things. When fear and uncertainty creep in, remind me that You are with me. Teach me to surrender to Your will and to step forward in faith, knowing You will guide me. Thank You for Your constant presence and unchanging love. Amen.
Read: Luke 22:42; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:1
Weekly Memory Verse: “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26, ESV