Exodus 13:17 NKJV
Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
For me, this is similar but different to Hebrews 11:15 in that this is not a case of Israelites reminiscing obout the “good” life in Egypt from which they had come out.
I think they would rather submit to slavery than even see warfare, even though the Lord was on their side. This cowardice would have given them an opportunity to return, and the Lord knew that.
Decisions that I made based on fear had set me on a path from which there was no escape, but He who took those ashes and made me a new creation saved me from the pit I myself dug.
I’ve understood that courage is more than the absence of fear, that true bravery is the ability to overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit, whose temple we are, and holding on no matter the obstacles.
Fight the good fight of faith, overcome using the boldness that only the Spirit of the Lord can give. We can face the day because of our trust in Jesus Christ.
Revelation 21:7-8 NKJV He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. [8] But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”