“It may get worse before it gets better.” That’s what Dallas mayor Mike Rawlings said when a second health worker at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital was diagnosed with Ebola in the fall of2014. It appeared Ebola was spreading in North America. Thankfully, safety precautions helped stop it.


But that was not the case in Western Africa. With over 26,000 people sickened from the disease and nearly 12,000 dead, it was easy to see why humans were very afraid of this fatal virus. Not only is it deadly, it is highly contagious. Thankfully, people like Dr. Kent Brantly from Samaritan’s Purse were on the scene to help stop the spreading epidemic.


Joshua faced many fearful situations as he entered the Promised Land. But God encouraged him to be strong and courageous. The very words God spoke to Joshua became so real and trusted for him that he told them with great conviction to the Israelite people who needed to be heartened.

Jesus walks with His people, encouraging us and replacing fear and anxiety with hope and peace.