Encouragement for Your Week: September 21-27
This Week’s Verse
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NLT)
Devotion
This week’s verse comes from Moses’ final words to the people of Israel. Joshua was about to become their new leader after Moses’ death, and he would soon guide them across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It was a huge task, and the people needed encouragement.
First, Moses told them to be strong and courageous. This is the same message God gives us when He calls us into His plans. Instead of giving in to fear like the Israelites had done forty years earlier, they needed to trust God and move forward with boldness. Paul echoed this in the New Testament: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Second, Moses told them not to be afraid or panic. The Israelites would face enemies and challenges, just as we face obstacles in our walk with God. Living out God’s calling is never easy—it always involves pushing back against the darkness. But even though the opposition is real, we don’t have to shrink back in fear.
Third, Moses reminded them why they could live with courage: the Lord Himself would go ahead of them. True strength doesn’t come from our own abilities but from God’s presence. He fights for us, strengthens us, and protects us. The Psalmist declared, “Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you” (Psalm 91:7). This does not mean God will save us from trouble but will come to us when we are in trouble.
Finally, Moses assured them that God would never fail or abandon them. He is faithful. He doesn’t start a good work in us only to leave us on our own. Paul wrote with confidence, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).
Take these words of Moses to heart. They are not just for Israel thousands of years ago—they are for you today. God goes before you, walks with you, and will never leave you.
This Week’s Challenge
Pick one area of your life this week where you feel some fear or uncertainty. Each day you feel this fear creep up, declare Deuteronomy 31:6 out loud: “The Lord my God goes before me. He will never fail me or abandon me.” Then take one step of courage in that area, trusting God to go ahead of you.