“But if you are afraid to go down…you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down…”

Judges 7:10-11 ESV

I love that one of the needs met is his lack of confidence. He’s not feeling strong and courageous, as the Lord commanded Joshua to be. There is no command like that here, just a felt need met lovingly by God.

God’s desire is Israel’s salvation. That’s still His desire today. His will, His heart desire, is our salvation, and all He does is toward that end. He will encourage and strengthen. He will discipline and rebuke.

Jesus ignored the taunts and turned from the temptation to save Himself in order to choose our salvation instead.

Whatever is happening to you, remember the heart of God behind it. His desire is your salvation, to be with you. His motivation is love. This is the God who created man in His image and then said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” He made Adam a bride. He’s preparing a bride for Himself now. He wants you with Him. He wants your salvation and will do what it takes. Surrender yourself into His hands of love.

Side note:

But they were urgent, demanding…

Luke 23:23 ESV

This is what the voice of Satan can sound like: loud, urgent, demanding.