by Joseph | Apr 1, 2026 | Sharing
Faithfulness When Fear Demands Retreat
“The Lord is with us; do not fear them.” – Numbers 14:9 (NAS)
There are moments when the call of God requires more than belief—it requires the courage to stand when everything around you insists that you retreat. Courage in Scripture is not loud, emotional, or driven by impulse. It is steady. It is rooted in conviction. It is the quiet resolve to remain aligned with God when fear is the dominant voice of the moment. In every generation, there comes a dividing line between those who shrink back and those who stand. The difference is not in ability, but in what they believe about God.
When the children of Israel stood at the edge of the promised land, they were not lacking in evidence of God’s power. They had witnessed deliverance from Egypt, provision in the wilderness, and the visible presence of God among them. Yet when they saw the giants in the land, fear overtook faith. “We became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33 NAS). The battle was decided before it began—not by the strength of the giants, but by the perception of the people.
Only Joshua and Caleb stood differently. They did not deny the presence of the giants; they denied their authority. “If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us… The Lord is with us; do not fear them” (Numbers 14:8–9 NAS). Their courage was not rooted in their own strength, but in their confidence in God’s promise. They stood when others fell back. They believed when others doubted. They spoke truth when others magnified fear.
Courage That Stands Against the Majority
It is one thing to stand when you are supported. It is another to stand when you are surrounded by opposition—even from those who should understand. Joshua and Caleb faced not only the threat of giants, but the resistance of their own people. “But all the congregation said to stone them with stones” (Numbers 14:10 NAS). Courage will often isolate you before it positions you. It will require you to hold to what God has said even when others reject it, misunderstand it, or oppose it.
This same pattern is seen in Joseph, though his battlefield looked different. He did not face giants in a land, but giants in circumstance—betrayal, injustice, delay, and responsibility beyond measure. From the moment God gave him dreams, Joseph carried a calling that would require courage not just in one moment, but over the course of many years.
The Courage to Remain When Nothing Changes
Joseph’s courage was not first revealed in the palace; it was revealed in the prison. It is one thing to step forward in a moment of visible opportunity. It is another to remain faithful when there is no movement, no recognition, and no sign that anything is changing. Joseph interpreted dreams in prison with accuracy and humility, yet when the cupbearer was restored, he forgot Joseph. “Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him” (Genesis 40:23 NAS).
This is where courage is tested most deeply—not in confrontation, but in waiting.
Joseph could have allowed discouragement to redefine his identity. He could have withdrawn, become bitter, or abandoned the integrity that had defined him. Instead, he remained. He continued to serve. He continued to trust. This is a different kind of courage—the courage to stand when nothing outward supports your faith.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NAS).
The Courage to Step Forward When Called
When Joseph was suddenly brought before Pharaoh, the years of hidden courage converged into a single moment. Pharaoh’s dreams troubled him, and no one could interpret them. Joseph stood before the most powerful man in Egypt, not as a recognized leader, but as a former prisoner. Yet his response revealed the foundation of his courage: “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer” (Genesis 41:16 NAS).
Joseph did not shrink back from the moment, nor did he promote himself within it. He stood with clarity, humility, and confidence in God. Courage is not self-confidence; it is God-confidence. It does not say, “I am able.” It says, “God is faithful.”
Courage That Accepts the Weight of Responsibility
After interpreting the dreams, Joseph did something that required even greater courage—he stepped into the solution. He outlined a plan that would govern Egypt through years of abundance and famine. This was not a small task. It was national stewardship. It was the responsibility to preserve life on a massive scale.
Courage is not only required to confront fear—it is required to carry responsibility.
Joseph accepted the assignment. He did not hesitate because of the weight. He did not step back because of the scale. He moved forward because God had spoken. This is the same courage Joshua and Caleb carried. They were willing to enter a land filled with giants because they believed the promise of God was greater than the opposition before them.
“The Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NAS).
The Courage That Refuses to Be Defined by Fear
The difference between the ten spies and Joshua and Caleb was not what they saw—it was how they interpreted what they saw. Fear magnifies opposition. Courage magnifies God. Joseph faced years of circumstances that could have redefined him. He could have seen himself as rejected, forgotten, or delayed. Instead, he allowed God’s purpose to define his reality.
By the time his brothers stood before him in need, Joseph had gained the perspective that only courage produces. “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5 NAS). He did not define his story by betrayal. He defined it by divine assignment.
This is the outcome of courage—it aligns your understanding with God’s purpose rather than your experience.
The Courage to Stand Until the Moment Comes
Courage is not proven in a single act. It is proven in sustained obedience. Joshua and Caleb had to wait forty years because of the unbelief of others, yet they did not lose their conviction. Joseph had to wait through years of obscurity, yet he did not abandon his calling. In both cases, courage was not momentary—it was enduring.
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 NAS).
There are times when standing will feel costly. When obedience will feel isolating. When the path forward will not be clear. Yet it is in these moments that courage becomes the bridge between calling and fulfillment.
When Standing Becomes Victory
Joshua and Caleb eventually entered the land. Joseph eventually ruled in Egypt. The outcome was not determined by the size of the opposition, but by the consistency of their courage. God did not remove the giants; He raised people who would stand in the face of them. He did not eliminate difficulty; He formed leaders who could carry His purpose through it.
The courage to stand is not about overcoming fear once—it is about refusing to let fear have the final voice.
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NAS).
This is the call for today.
To stand when others retreat.
To believe when others doubt.
To prepare when others ignore.
To move when God speaks, regardless of the cost.
Because when the moment comes—and it will—those who have stood will be the ones God entrusts to lead, to preserve, and to fulfill what He has spoken.
And like Joseph, they will discover that the years of standing were not wasted. They were the very foundation of the assignment they were called to carry.
by Joseph | Apr 1, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
It’s a great time to be a called servant of the King Most High. I am actually thankful for the election of Obama as President of the USA. Yep, I said it.
Certainly, and obviously, the other candidate was my choice – but, the day is now here that the Called of Christ have to make a stand. We’ve hidden in our “churches” with smiles and nice programs for our youth, and preached against those who kill babies, and those who wed in same-sex marraiges. Our rally cry has been a battle against the sinful, while we walk in our pride and display our piety by erecting elaborate buildings – and huddle in comfort with fellow “believers” often ignoring the opportunity to share the love of Christ.
When Jesus and His disciples walked on the earth, the State was powerful and feared. The corruption of the Roman empire was expected, and the church of the day played along so they could keep their “hold” on their positions.
Jesus came and didn’t really play well with the kids who occupied the power positions. He knew those who were in hybris positions of leadership were temporal, and shared about a Kingdom that was eternal. Those who were hurting and living in fear, found hope and life. He didn’t need to constantly berrate those who occupied the temporal leadership positions, in fact, He said to render unto Ceasar that which belonged to the earthly government.
Many who chose to follow Jesus in that day, were persecuted and imprisoned. They sacrificed their lives sharing about the Kingdom of God, not spending hours forwarding e-mails that spoke against the ceasar. The rally for the early believers was sharing the truth of the Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus Christ).
I am excited about this day – as the “preparation call” is more relevant than ever. It’s time for those who await the return of the King to come out and tend the fields. The government is not where I place my trust, and liberal government is certainly not my salvation. My Peace, Hope, and Eternal destiny is secure through the shed blood of the Messiah, Yeshua. He is my Rock, and my Salvation.
by Joseph | Apr 1, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
This is a paradox that I have pondered many times. I plan for the future, yet my plans are often altered (and even hindered) because of past fears and selfish comforts. I sometime find it frustrating when the baggage of the past weighs on the whole concept of preparation. How can I adequately prepare, if I am manipulated by fears? How can I wisely get ready for potential discomforts, when my weak and selfish flesh always presses me for comforts?
I know that God is sovereign, and I also know by Faith that my future is in His hands. That, however; is another area where I sometimes run into a paradox in my thinking – If God has ultimate control of the outcome of my future, why should I be planning anyway? Why would God call me to prepare if He already knows what the future holds – and already has a plan and outcome set for my life?
I have asked the Lord this question often in my daily quiet time with Him. Early-on, I often struggled with the thought that preparation may be nothing more than a manifestation of my fear of things that I discern are coming. Why would I be called to prepare, if I am also called to live by Faith? If I am preparing, does that mean I am no longer living in Faith? After all, Faith is often going where we are uncomfortable and perhaps confronting giants with little more than a rock and a sling.
The more I walk through this preparation process, the more I find that God seems to be preparing me, rather than me preparing for some other outcome. He continually teaches me that many will not be prepared for some struggles ahead, and they will panic when the waves come – rather than staying focused on the Savior.
So, the preparation call seems to be as much an exercise in faith and obedience, as it is truly getting ready for a future calamity. I find that through the difficulties of preparation, I now spend more time looking to Him for guidance – and less time wondering if I have stocked enough ammo.
So, I have learned some things as I’ve traveled on this journey of preparation. I can’t say I’m pleased with what I’ve learned about myself, but I can say it has been quite revealing. In many ways it has exposed me to some personal vulnerabilities that needed to be dealt with.
I felt the “call” to prepare over 30 years ago. For the majority of that time I had developed assumptions about what preparation would actually look like; storing water, planting gardens, hunting, developing new survival skills, etc.
The fact is, preparation has been completely different than I imagined.
Preparation, is an act of obedience. God called Noah to prepare and build an ark so that he and his family could be saved. I’m pretty sure Noah wondered why he was called to prepare, especially knowing that he would look pretty foolish building a huge boat on dry land. I’m also pretty sure he felt humiliated as people confronted him daily and ridiculed him for his silly project. Ultimately, Noah was rewarded for his faithful obedience to his given assignment.
Here are some of the lessons I have learned in this journey. I will expound more upon them later:
- Preparation and Prayer should be INTIMATELY related. Never undertake preparation, without first seeking the Lord.
- Effective preparation will not be self-focused, but will always include others. Preparation serves the needs of others.
- Preparation is important, but is also very fragile.
- Preparation is based on Faith: It is the commitment to things hoped for in the future, and is based on the evidence of things visible in the present.
- Preparation does not determine the outcome of the future – but it does direct many actions in the present:
- Preparation is only partly a rational process. Discernment, faith, and calling all contribute to the preparation process.
- Preparation motivates us by pointing attention and effort to a hopeful outcome. It helps us shift from problems to find solutions, turn limitations to possibilities, and changes despair to hope.
- Preparation is often a value-based undertaking.
by Joseph | Apr 1, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
The Shaking
Whose voice then shook the earth (continuation)
Shared by Jeff Rowland.
We shared last time a beautiful scripture from Psalms – Psalms 29.
This Psalm of David is a beautiful description of the majesty and power of God in a storm of thunder. David’s perspective of viewing this storm was to acknowledge and ascribe the power of this storm to the voice of God. The Psalmist has already given acknowledgement to the God of thunder earlier in his writing. (Psa 18:13)
The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. From the voice of God comes the power of the storm. When the thunder comes there is always the sound of accompanying rain.
(Jer 10:13) When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.
Should we not listen to the voice of God in the middle of the storm? Should we not give honor and glory which is due to His name when we experience the storm?
(Job 37:4) After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
God will not deceive by His voice, for when He hath spoken then will men hear what He is saying clearly. The Psalmist David is saying in this Psalm that the powerful and majestic God thunders with his voice and breaks the great cedars of Lebanon. Trees that can grow to be bigger than any other can be broken like twigs at the voice of our great God.
Paul the apostle said to the Church of Corinth,
(1Co 2:4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.
When Gods people begin to thunder with our voice under the anointing of the Spirit of God then we can begin to uproot those things in our lives that holds us back from the awesome glory and majesty of our great God. James and John was called the sons of thunder indicating their voice of the gospel was heard clearly under the anointing of Christ Jesus. Oh how our voice needs to be raised in these days to clearly speak forth what God is uttering from heaven. (more…)
by Joseph | Apr 1, 2026 | Preparation, Sharing
Arise and shine for the light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1
Today, we want to share a devotion we received and hope it will give you encouragement. It is time to Rise Up! It is time to set aside fear! It is time to move forward with boldness and courage!
Times are very tough, and fear is impacting in a lot of lives. We are beginning to see the challenging times that we have been preparing for. God hasn’t just prepared us to store food so we can eat during a global food shortage. We have been called for a purpose. We are to be overcomers, untouched by recession and all that we read or hear in the news. God holds our future and we are safe and secure in the palm of His hand.
It is time to step-it-up-a-notch and move to a higher place and take a higher position. When a solider has been hurt and wounded in battle, he may be slumped over and walk with a limp. However, after a time of rest and recovery, he can walk straight and stand up tall. The Lord is calling us to rise up and stand tall.
We are living in challenging times and what used to work, doesn’t work anymore. For instance, there was a time you could put ten dollars worth of gas in your car and drive all day. Those days are over and so is casual Christianity. You can’t go very far on ten dollars; it takes $80 to fill my tank and it takes more to fill my spirit. A ten minute prayer time or a ten minute time in the Word will not work.
I believe we are living in a time when we must know God and His Word like never before. You must know who you are and realize the authority God has given you as His child. You are a citizen of the Kingdom, a joint heir with Jesus Christ, and therefore you should be living by a higher standard. The kingdom of God is at hand. He has put His Word in our heart and He expects us to use His Word to speak life into dead things, and hope into hopeless people. This is a time to arise and shine for the light has come.
Encourage those who have fear. Share the Good News of a loving God who has offered His Grace and Mercy, and will never leave us or forsake us!
