Focus
True faith in Christ does not guarantee a life devoid of danger, opposition, or discomfort. Instead, biblical faith works inwardly, dismantling the internal strongholds of anxiety, pride, and hesitation so that we can step boldly into God’s divine calling.
Introduction
We often mistakenly view faith as a protective bubble designed to shield us from conflict, discomfort, or external resistance. We pray for smooth paths, quiet environments, and favorable conditions before we decide to obey God. However, Scripture demonstrates that God rarely waits for conditions to become comfortable before He calls us to move.
The primary battleground of faith is not the external storm around us, but the internal terrain within us. Faith does not promise the elimination of external trials; rather, it dismantles the internal obstacles—such as fear, self-reliance, and hesitation—that hold us back. When Christ anchors our hearts, the storm may still rage outside, but the internal resistance that once paralyzed us is broken.
Joshua 1:6-9 (NKJV)
“Be strong and of a good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- God Promises His Presence, Not the Absence of Opposition
When God called Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan, He did not promise that the Canaanites would abandon their fortified cities or lay down their weapons. The giants and fortified walls remained. God’s guarantee was not a peaceful environment, but His continuous presence: “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Faith shifts our focus from the magnitude of external opposition to the magnitude of God’s presence. - Dismantling Internal Resistance: Anxiety, Pride, and Hesitation
Overcoming Anxiety: Anxiety focuses on worst-case scenarios and external threats. Faith counters anxiety not by denying reality, but by resting in God’s sovereignty.
Conquering Pride: Pride causes us to rely on our own capacity, leading to fear when our strength falls short. Biblical courage requires humbling ourselves to depend entirely on God’s command.
Eliminating Hesitation: Hesitation is often fear disguised as prudence. God commanded Joshua three separate times to “be strong and of a good courage.” God addressed Joshua’s internal resolve because hesitation in the heart will always halt progress in the field. - Obedience Precedes the Overcoming of Obstacles
The Jordan River did not part while Israel sat comfortably in their tents; the priests had to step their feet into the overflowing waters first. Faith moves forward while the conditions are still intimidating, trusting that God’s power is made manifest through active obedience.
Bible Character Example: Peter Walking on the Water
A powerful illustration of this principle is found in Matthew 14:28-31, when Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus.
The Environment: The wind was boisterous, and the waves were crashing. Jesus did not calm the sea before calling Peter to come out. The environment remained dangerous and uncomfortable.
The Internal Shift: As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, his internal fear was subdued, enabling him to perform the supernatural act of walking on water despite the storm.
The Lesson: It was only when Peter allowed external danger to reactivate his internal fear and doubt that he began to sink. His failure was not caused by the strength of the wind, but by the return of internal hesitation. Christ immediately stretched out His hand to save him, proving that faith holds us steady even when the surroundings remain turbulent.
Conclusion
God does not call us to wait for ideal circumstances before fulfilling His purpose for our lives. If you are waiting for an environment completely free of risk, criticism, or discomfort, you will remain stagnant. Faith in Christ empowers you to step directly into difficult environments because the greatest stronghold—the internal resistance of fear and pride—has already been defeated by the truth of God’s Word.
Reflection Questions
What internal resistance (such as fear of failure, pride, or hesitation) is currently preventing you from taking the next step in God’s calling for your life?
In what areas of your life have you been waiting for external circumstances to become comfortable before choosing to obey God?
How can meditating on God’s presence, as commanded in Joshua 1:8, help you silence anxiety when facing external opposition?
Prayer
Father in Heaven, grant me the grace to trust You beyond my comfort zone.
Forgive me for the times I have allowed fear, pride, and hesitation to stop me from walking in Your calling.
Remind me that You are with me in every storm and that Your presence is my strength. Dismantle every internal resistance within my heart today, and give me the courage to step out in bold obedience, knowing that You go before me.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.