Ep 785 – Isaiah 21:1-10

Repeatedly throughout the Scriptures, we read the words, "Fear not." And they are almost always in relationship to some troubling trial or difficulty. When the people of Israel were standing at the shore of the Red Sea with the army of Pharaoh bearing down on them, Moses had told them, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord." Years later, when the Israelites were preparing to enter the land of Canaan, God told them, "Listen, Israel! Today you are moving forward to do battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted. Do not fear and tremble or be terrified because of them" (Deuteronomy 20:3 NLT). Paul would later encourage Timothy by reminding him, "God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT). But the truth is, we fear far more often than we would like to admit. And the people of Judah did as well. In Isaiah 21:1-10, we will see God calling His people to exhibit faith, rather than fear. Even with all that was going on around them, God wanted them to see His sovereign hand at work. If they had faith in Him, they would have a difficult time fearing what was taking place around them. Faith is the antidote for fear.