This morning, I read Deuteronomy 1:29-30 “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God… will fight for you.” When the Israelites explored the Promised Land, they were overcome with fear as they reasoned they would be devoured by the “giants” in the land. These so-called leaders planted doubt, resulting in forty years of wandering in the desert. Let’s be honest: fear is one of the most debilitating sins of a leader. Perhaps it is fear of others, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of being liked, fear of having enough money for retirement, or many other fears that strike terror in you. There are six things to ponder the next time you are attacked by fear:

1. Fear Distorts Reality. 

The Israelites’ fear blinded them to God’s power and provision. Fear magnifies obstacles and minimizes God’s promises, leading us to believe that the challenges before us are greater than His ability to overcome them.

2. Fear is Contagious. 

When the leaders voiced their doubts, they spread fear among the people. Likewise, your words and attitudes can either inspire faith or fuel anxiety in those around you. My dad always told me, “Son, when God has spoken to you, you must not blink. People are following you.” What he meant by this statement is that as a leader, I must be confident in the God I am serving.

3. Fear Leads Away from Faith. 

Instead of trusting God’s promise, the Israelites wanted to return to Egypt. Fear often causes us to retreat from God’s will, convincing us that disobedience is safer than faith. 

4. God’s Promises Override Fear. 

Fear may seem logical, but God’s Word is the ultimate truth. If He has spoken, the outcome is inevitable. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb understood that God had already declared victory. If you are experiencing anxiety, spend some time prayerfully reading (and re-reading) the promises of God in the Scriptures.

5. God Fights for Us. 

The battle was never Israel’s to win—it was God’s. The same is true for you today. Your role is not to control the outcome but to trust the One who goes before you. 

6. Faith Inspires Others. 

God honored the faith of Joshua and Caleb. Today, He is looking for men and women who walk by faith and not by sight. Be that person who overcomes fear and walks by faith. 

Your response under challenging moments can encourage others to move forward in faith or lead them to retreat in fear. Choose to be a Joshua or Caleb—someone who strengthens others to trust in the Lord. Stand firm, take a deep breath, and remember: The Lord will fight for you! 

This article was written by state missionary Rob Jackson.