Moses prepared the people as best he could for what they were about to face when they entered the Promised Land and unfortunately that included times of warfare:
"When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: 'Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.' ... Then the officers shall add, 'Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too'” (Deuteronomy 20:2-4, 8).
It was the priest and not their generals or leaders who was to encourage the troops, first of all reminding them that the Lord was going with them to fight against their enemies. Therefore, they were forbidden to be "fainthearted or afraid." That indicates fear is a rational decision and is the opposite of faith and trust.
If someone was not willing or able to overcome their fear, then they were to go home. Why "So their fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too." That indicates that fear is contagious, and thus the fearful had to be segregated from the faithful. If fear was contagious, then it must mean that faith is contagious too. Consequently, your fear and your faith are transferable. Someone can catch either from you because you are contagious—you don't exist to be by yourself, but to fight alongside others.
Where have you decided to live with fear, making peace with its presence? Have you "gone home" so to speak, not willing to pay the price to fight for God's promises? How can you make your faith a source of inspiration and encouragement for others? Through a testimony? Your actions? How can you keep the truth uppermost in your mind that as you go, God has already gone before you to give you the victory? Fear or faith? Which do you want to be known for? I hope you choose faith but if not, don't allow your fear germs to infect and weaken other people.
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