"Now the LORD said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land."  

Joshua 8:1

Joshua had been told several times not to be afraid, and yet we find the Lord once again reinforcing this command.  After defeating Jericho the children of Israel were instructed by the Lord not to take any of the spoils for themselves, but unfortunately one of the men decided to take some for him-self.  We find when we do not walk according to God's word we reap the consequences.  When the people went out to battle against the next city they were defeated, because they had not followed the word of the Lord.  The Lord made Joshua aware of the problem and it was dealt with, but now as Israel gets ready to head out again we find Joshua in need of encouragement.

It's amazing how fast our faith can falter when things don't go well, and we find they never do when we step outside of God's word.  Joshua was assured by the Lord that as long as he walked according to His word he would have success and he did.  It was only when Israel stepped outside the word of God they knew defeat.  We must understand when we walk outside of God's word we are going to experience defeat.  If today you find your faith faltering as Joshua did because you have known only defeat, perhaps it would be a good time to examine your life and see if you are walking according to God's word.  If you find you are outside of God's word, repent, step back in.  Follow the word of God, and fear not, for what God has ordained God will sustain!

"Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways." Psalms 128:1