Take Off the Fear Goggles

The children of Israel are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. After 40 long years of wandering they are about to go in and stake claim to their beautiful homeland — the home God was offering to give them as a personal gift.

As they stand at the border, Moses gives them a rousing speech. He reminds the Israelites that on their previous attempt to lay claim to God’s gift, fear had gotten in the way. They had sinfully allowed their faith to be displaced by a terror of people. Moses recounts a truth the people already really know. They know it because they have lived it.

God is stronger than any giants they might meet.

After all, God had gotten them this far, hadn’t he? And he did that through some gigantically adverse conditions.

You may have “giants” in your life. Giant problems. Giant assignments. Giant enemies. Giant time crunches. Giant health issues. But God is stronger than any of these.

And this is his promise: He will fight for you. He will put you on his back and carry you. He will give you everything he has promised to give you.

There’s no better time to hear that message than Easter! Easter teaches us that Jesus is stronger even than the most giant enemy of all — death itself!

So take off the fear goggles, and pick up the shield of faith. In faith, take hold of the eternal inheritance he has planned for you, and wants to give you through his death and resurrection.

And while you’re on the way? No fear! Because God’s got you!

“Then I said to you, ‘Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place'” (Deuteronomy 1:29-31, NIV).

Our Bible reading for Saturday, April 4, is Deuteronomy 1:1 – 2:23 (we cross the border today into the final of the five books authored by Moses, known as the Pentateuch), Luke 9:57 – 10:24 and Psalm 41:1-6.

Header image based on "Star Trek Goggles" by David Lytle, CC By 2.0

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pastorjeffgunn

I'm married to my beautiful wife Julie and have five kids whose names all begin with the letter A. I'm a pastor at CrossWalk Church in Phoenix, AZ. I love Jesus, my wife, my kids, and my grandkids. Huge Arizona Cardinals fan! Reading, hiking, camping, travel, and fishing are my top 5 downtime pleasures.

One thought on “Take Off the Fear Goggles”

  1. Our Bible reading for Saturday, April 4, is Deuteronomy 1:1 – 2:23 (we cross the border today into the final of the five books authored by Moses, known as the Pentateuch), Luke 9:57 – 10:24 and Psalm 41:1-6.

    He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭2‬ NIV)

    I said, “Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” (‭Psalm‬ ‭41‬:‭4‬ NIV)

    However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭20‬ NIV)

    Heavenly Father, you are the one and true God. You have given us so much and we are so blessed everyday we wake up. You have tasked us all to help share your gospel message. It seems that there are many of us who know you, but that is not good enough. Help us to be successful in our task. Help us to work your plan of salvation. Help us to reach those that you need you most. Help us to let them know we are sinners just like them, yet we give our guilt and shame to you Father. Thank you Lord for the hope of redemption in our savior Jesus Christ.

    ~Paul Montenieri

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