“See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21 (NIV)
Have you ever read one of God’s promises and felt a quiet ache inside? You hold onto that promise with hope, yet wonder why it has not come true in your life. Perhaps you have begun to wonder whether God sees your pain or whether His promises truly apply to you. You read about healing, comfort, peace, and joy, but your heart still feels heavy and uncertain.
That is how I felt years after my son passed away. I clung to verses like, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3, NIV). Still, I kept praying, “When, Lord? Why does my heart still hurt?”
In that place of quiet grief, I sensed God’s Spirit whisper, “Write your story.” However, I resisted. “I am not a writer. I could never share something so personal.” But again, I heard, “Write your story.”
Eventually, I said yes. Writing brought a reopening of wounds, but also healing. I began to see how God had never left me, even in the darkest moments. What the enemy meant for harm, God used for good, bringing salvation and hope to my family and those around me.
Later, I was invited to share my story at a women’s retreat. This time, I said yes more quickly. With trembling hands and a surrendered heart, I spoke about what God had done. I watched the Holy Spirit move powerfully. Women wept, prayed, and found healing. It became one of the most beautiful moments of my life, not because of what I did, but because God used my obedience even in my weakness to bring healing and hope.
We all find ourselves facing the giants between us and God’s promises. Some are external: grief, hardship, illness, or financial strain. But often the most brutal battles are internal. Fear, insecurity, and quiet resistance can keep us stuck just outside of what God has already given.
When the Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land, God said, “See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 1:21, NIV). The promise was already theirs. But they had to move forward to take hold of it. Obedience was the bridge between the promise and the fulfillment.
That’s often true for us, too. God’s promises haven’t failed. But sometimes we stay stuck on the edge of them, waiting until we feel strong or brave enough to move. Yet He gently invites us forward, not when we’re ready, but when we’re willing.
Obedience doesn’t mean you feel no fear; it means you take the next step, trusting that the One who made the promise will also provide the strength to walk it out.
Throughout Scripture, we see this truth lived out. God didn’t wait for Moses to become eloquent before sending him to confront Pharaoh and free the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 4:10-12). He didn’t wait for David to wear armor before calling him to face Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45). He didn’t wait for Peter to have unwavering faith before inviting him to walk on water (Matthew 14:28-29). God simply gave them a command and asked them to trust Him with the outcome. The miracle was never in their ability; it was in their willingness to say yes.
Your ‘yes’ may seem small: writing your story, forgiving someone, speaking the truth, setting a boundary, or simply staying the course. But that, yes, matters. Often, the breakthrough waits on the other side of surrender. God is not asking us to be perfect. He’s asking us to trust Him.
As we keep facing the giants between us and God’s promises, we are reminded that His presence is greater than our fears. Though fear, doubt, or discouragement may rise, God’s call remains clear. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. God invites us to step forward, trusting not in our own strength but in His faithful presence.
Even when the way feels uncertain, taking the next step in faith and obedience is the path to His promises. When we say yes, even with weak but willing hearts, we open the door to the blessings God has prepared. We need not fear facing the giants between us and God’s promises because God is greater than any obstacle in our path, and His promises are true.
Lord, thank You for Your patience and grace when I feel weak or afraid. Help me to trust You, even when the path is unclear, and the giants feel overwhelming. Give me the courage to say yes to Your leading, knowing that You will provide the strength I need. Teach me to lean on Your promises and rest in Your faithful presence. May my obedience open the door to the blessings You have prepared, and may I walk forward in faith, confident that You are greater than any obstacle I face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
