Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

I render this quote without address or translation. Does it sound familiar? It is copy and paste accurate. Do you know who said it and under what circumstance? Did you know who received the word? Does it apply to you? Is it meant for a person or a general assembly?

Why should that matter?

Sentiments are often repeated in the bible at different times to different people in context to circumstance. What preceded this line is vastly different in context of participants and circumstance when it is repeated later. How would you know which exact quote applies to your life in this moment? Perhaps a more familiar translation might help in revealing the previous scripture in those two scenarios.

Deuteronomy 31:7 (KJV)And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

John 14:26 (KJV)But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

While John 14:27 repeats the sentiments of Deuteronomy 31:8 but differences in context are between a promise made and a promise kept. Your ability to relate to both of these lines of scripture is dependent upon that promise.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

If not, you are relegated to Deuteronomy 31:7. If you have accepted Jesus then you are alive in John 14:26.

What is the difference in terms of spiritual application?

The difference is between following a man and following God.