Imagine you are Israel of old, preparing to go into the promised land. Your leader, Moses—the guy you knew since birth—the father figure who explained YHWH’s laws to you—the pastor who directed your spiritual life–the leader who made sure physical needs were met, and the general who led you to many victories is not going with you. Would your faith be shaken?
This same scenario was similar to what Yeshua’s disciples faced. They had walked with The Lamb for three years learning how to defeat spiritual and physical forces. They had envisioned Him to be the One who would conquer the Roman Empire. But they stayed behind also to spread the good news to a hostile world. Do you think their faith was shaken? It was, in that we find them hiding in a room after Yeshua’s crucifixion.
Both Moses and Yeshua told those who followed them to be strong and courageous.
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the YHWH your Elohim is the One who goes with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper, that He may be with you forever.” John 14:16
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
In our modern world, we are faced with tremendous uncertainty as well. The possibility of a financial collapse to usher in a new economy is no longer a conspiracy. Governments are waging a war that will affect the entire world. And, our leaders are attacking their own citizens. So, how can we be strong and courageous? How will we be able to stand up and be counted to the end of the age?
I don’t typically seek worldly direction when looking for advice, but this week I found something that I believe lines up with Scripture. I found it on “PositivePsychology.com
Mental Toughness refers to the ability to stay strong in the face of adversity; to keep your focus and determination despite the difficulties you encounter. A mentally tough individual sees challenge and adversity as an opportunity and not a threat, and has the confidence and positive approach to take what comes in their stride (Strycharczyk, 2015).
Can a person direct themselves to be strong on their own accord? I think a person can do this for only a short amount of time. In virtually all cases, a person will meet up with something or someone that they can’t overcome. At some point, even the bravest individual will fold if they do not have an anchor. From a Biblical viewpoint, the anchor that gives strength to stand up to the strongest of storms can only be found in The Creator. Seeking any other outside source fails the intimacy test of truly knowing what we need.
In the study of VaYelech (Deuteronomy 31), we find that Moses addresses every fear-based action Israel will face and provides solutions:
1) Remember–YHWH is the One who goes before you.
2) At the Feast of Booths, read Yah’s Law.
3) Hear and observe Yah’s Law.
4) Sing the Song of Moses as a witness to actions to come
If we learn to speak out loud or even sing the promises that He has given us, we will begin to see the victory. The apostle Paul tells us to run towards the prize (I Cor. 9:24-27). Do we run towards adversity, knowing that YHWH goes before us? Do we see the trials in front of us as a test to be won? I’m not trying to be slight in my remarks. I am instead trying to remind us to practice what we preach. We need to repeat words that are intrinsic to our very souls. Yah’s words are Truth. His Law is Truth. His Son is Truth. And, His Victory is Truth. Claim these things out loud every day, and you too will be strong and courageous. We too will overcome.
Be Blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn
