22 December Joshua 8

Don’t be afraid or discouraged

Joshua 8:1 (AMP) Now the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear or be dismayed (intimidated). Take all the men of war with you and set out, go up to Ai; see, I have given the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land into your hand.

Remember in Joshua 7, because of Achan’s sin, God’s people lost the battle at Ai. When they tried to fight there, they were defeated. Why? Because they had disobeyed God, and He was not with them. God had not promised to give them that land at that time. But after Achan’s sin was dealt with and judgment was carried out, God spoke to Joshua and said, “Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Go to Ai, and I will give it into your hands.”

If God is not on your side, you have no hope. But if God is on your side, you have every reason to hope. The point is this—put your hope in God, trust Him, seek Him, honor Him, and give Him glory. He is your only true hope in this life—nothing else can take His place.

When God is on our side, we will always have victory:

Romans 8:31 (NIV) “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

If God is on our side, no enemy can ultimately defeat us.

Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV) “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

God Himself fights for His people to make sure they win.

Psalm 118:6-7 (NIV) “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.”

With God by our side, we walk in courage and triumph.

2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV) “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

The victory is guaranteed when the battle belongs to God.

Exodus 14:14 (NIV) “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

God’s presence ensures the outcome without our striving.

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “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.”

God’s presence guarantees strength and success wherever we go.

No matter what battles we face, the difference between defeat and victory is whether God is with us. Israel’s first attempt at Ai ended in failure because sin had broken their fellowship with Him. But once they dealt with the sin, God’s presence returned, His promise was given, and victory was certain.

The same is true for us—when God is on our side, no enemy can stand against us. He fights for us, He goes before us, and He guarantees the outcome. That’s why we can move forward without fear or discouragement.

So, seek Him with all your heart. Walk in obedience. Trust His Word. Give Him glory in everything. And when you step into the battles of life, remember this unshakable truth:* If God is for you, no one can stand against you—and in Him, you will always win.*