“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

The dogs were barking insanely, racing along the fence from one end to the other. Frank, my gelding, and the three goats stood in the corral looking frightened. My mind was on the grizzly that had been hanging around.

As I left the corral after cleaning and feeding, Frank and the goats timidly followed me out, but stayed close to the centre of the property. The dogs would quiet for a few moments and then the rampage would begin again. Frank stood, uncertain as to what to do. Since the death of my mare, his mother, he seemed to be going through an identity crisis. Once confident and bold in a crisis, as he and Mama always stood together, he was now timid and afraid.

But then, something happened as the dogs continued to bark and lunge at the fence as the bear ran by. It was as if he had an epiphany, a sudden insight. His companion and mother was gone, but he was not alone. He had a whole little army on the property with him, and he could stand with them and them with him. So what if they were dogs and he was a horse? They could still stand and fight together.

He was off at a gallop and joined the rushing dogs, barking and lunging with Frank in their midst, tossing his mane and screaming through his nose. The grizzly decided to move on. Once he had, Frank ran to the top corner, where he had disappeared, craned his neck and head over the fence and let out one last scream, as if to say, And don’t come back either, because we’ll be waiting for you!

As he confidently trotted away with the dogs, I was reminded of the transformation or epiphany that happens to us when, amidst our fears, confusion, and insecurities, we remember that “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31b-32 NIV) So no matter what comes our way in life, no matter what trials, losses, fears, or insecurities that we are called to face, we do not need to stand and cower alone, not ever. For God and His army of angels are fighting with and for us and calling us to fight alongside of them through the power of faith, hope, trust, and love. “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NIV)

Prayer: Lord God, please remind us, as necessary, that we are never alone. You and Your angels are always fighting for and with us, that we might be more than conquerors through Him who loved and loves us forever and always. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada

Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author’s permission