The Great Collision

 The city of Jericho was fortified, but the inhabitants were afraid. Why? They heard about the mighty miracles of Israel’s God, and “their hearts melted, and no spirit was left in them” (Joshua 5:1). They were terrified of God and His people!

Fear can debilitate, paralyze, and hold people captive—if allowed. Yes, fear must be allowed entrance into our lives. But there is also a healthy fear. The writers of God’s Word, under the Holy Spirit’s leading, tell us to fear God—hold Him in awe, respect (e.g., Proverbs 1:7; 1 Peter 2:17, Ecclesiastes 12:13). We should fear the consequences of living disobediently, a holy fear honors God.

Faith, on the other hand, is believing and trusting without seeing proof. Our faith in God proclaims we are confident He is who He is and will do what He says. Does fear have a foothold in your life? Stand strong, child of God. He is on your side; victory is yours through Jesus Christ.

The Israelites defeated Jericho because they followed God’s instructions and trusted Him for victory. When fear collides with faith, faith is the victor: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4–5)?