Young soldiers marching off to war for the first time are often more excited than fearful. When wars begin, soldiers kiss their sweethearts and board trains, excited about the chance to see the world, have adventures, and win glory. Sure, some won’t come back. But you never believe it will be you. Every young man is convinced he is invincible.
What happens next is interesting. Audie Murphy, America’s most-decorated soldier of WWII, describes the scene in his book, TO HELL AND BACK: Soldiers getting off the trains find themselves marching toward the front line and passing other soldiers who are retreating from the front line to take a much-needed break. One group is clean, fresh, and smiling, wearing pressed uniforms, with full stomachs and close shaves. The other group is dragging along, dirty and wet, too tired to smile, with unkempt hair, unshaven faces, and one or two have arms in slings or other injuries not serious enough to earn them a ride. As the two groups pass, the one is thrilled with excitement and adrenalin and has no idea what to expect. The other side has seen battle. The thrill is gone, but they know they can’t explain it. Each man must experience it for himself.
Is there fear on day one? Perhaps. But the real fear sets in the morning before a soldier’s SECOND battle. The first battle is fast and furious. But once you have time to reflect, you remember the injuries. The noise. How fast it all happened. The close calls. The medical teams. The horror. The blood and broken bodies. The screams. And you begin to feel less invincible. Yes, it can happen to you. Of course it can.
Before the Allies invaded Normandy, France on D-Day, General Eisenhower was told the paratroopers alone would face a casualty rate of 75 percent. Three out of four would be killed. Historians estimate there were 4,414 Allied deaths on the single day of June 6, 1944, including 2,501 Americans. “But they also know that the list isn’t complete and the project to count the dead continues.”[1] (They still have not totaled-up the dead?!)
The Bible tells us to “fear not” Deuteronomy 20:3.
Seriously? “Fear not?” How am I supposed to “fear not” after what I have been through? As if I could snap my fingers and make fear go away? Have you ever been so terrified your teeth began to chatter? I have. I can’t remember why, but it must have been something! And I am supposed to simply blink and “fear not” and it will all go away?
The Question is:
HOW DO I “FEAR NOT”?
“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt is with you … Do not be cowardly. Fear not. Do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
HOW DO I FEAR NOT?
I REMEMBER THAT THE LORD IS WITH ME.
“Do not be afraid for the Lord your God [who proved himself when he rescued you from Egypt] is with you!” Deuteronomy 20:1.
“Do not be terrified … for the Lord your God … goes with you to fight for you!” Deuteronomy 20:3-4.
Remember that: you can “fear not” because the God who created the universe is WITH YOU! Isn’t that incredible? One of his names is Jehovah Shammah, the One Who is Standing Near, Ezekiel 48:35.
Thank you, God, that no matter what fear we face, you are with us. Help those of us who struggle with worry, anxiety, and dread. Remind us that you are with us when we struggle with fear of things we imagine, things that could happen, but might not, and things we have been through before that we worry about even though we should not. Remind us that YOU ARE WITH US.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 