Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, Geuel.

Today we'll consider a third aspect of fear that we learned of during Sunday's sermon.

The LORD God is powerful to deliver us from the fear of deficiency.

Sometimes we are bombarded with a sense of our own inadequacy. There is a heightened pressure to do well when one is surrounded by high-performing colleagues and peers. To further complicate the matter, principalities and powers seek to make us downgrade our own skills and abilities. And, if I may add another component, we know ourselves well enough to know our own weaknesses and shortcomings. There are some things we just aren't able to do well.

But our weakness gives God space to be the strength of our life! If our strength is in the LORD, then our deficiency doesn't matter- it is God's adequacy that matters. And if our deficiency is overcome by God's adequacy, then there is no need for us to fear.

This concept is brought to light in the experience of the twelve tribal leaders of ancient Israel. Ten leaders are rarely spoken of: the other two are poster children for fearlessness. Joshua and Caleb had an assurance of God's power, and they were eager to possess the land of Canaan. The other ten responded in fear, focused on their own inadequacy.

The ten leaders engaged in fear-based actions which ultimately resulted in their not being permitted to enter into the promised land:

Their mantra was “We can't”. However, God did not ask them to make an assessment of their own ability; He asked them to explore the land that He was giving to the Israelites (Numbers 13:2).

Their mouths were engaged in slander. After giving Moses a positive account about the produce of the land (Numbers 13:27), the ten leaders then spread a bad report of the land among the Israelites (Numbers 13:32).

Their measurement of self-worth was based on their own assessment instead of God's. Rather than remembering God's great works among them, the ten leaders chose to compare themselves to other people (Numbers 13:33). In comparing their stature to that of the descendants of Anak, the Israelites gave in to the fear of their perceived inadequacy.

Joshua and Caleb, though in the minority, fearlessly testified of God's power. Their testimony is one that we can be encouraged by today.

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Number 14:6-9).

The LORD is with you. His adequacy covers your deficiency. Do not be afraid!