Here, root yourselves beside me. I am that Tree planted by the River, Which will not be moved. I, the Rock, I, the River, I, the Tree, I am yours—your passages have been paid. Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need For this bright morning dawning for you. History, despite its wrenching pain, Cannot be unlived, but if faced With courage, need not be lived again.

There is no freedom without bravery.

I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Isaiah 41:9-10

What reason did God give Joshua for turning from fear and discouragement in the face of huge opposition? "The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Josh. 1:9). When Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid in the storm, the reason wasn't the removal of their frightful circumstances but the presence of their Savior. "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matt. 14:27).

If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. Psalm 139:9—10

Our Promised Lands are characterized by the presence of victory, not the absence of opposition.

He said to them, " Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:40

We can't go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!" So they gave a negative report to the Israelites. Numbers 13:31—32

It is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

I want to finish my race in the Promised Land, not in the wilderness. You too? Then we have to cash in our fear and complacency and spend all we have on the only ticket out: BELIEF. Faith is the only thing that will ever close the gap between our theology and our reality.

I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you, "Do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. Isaiah 43:2