How much time is wasted on fear? If we did a time study on how fear affected our decisions and our responses at times, I think we would see there is ample time wasted on fear.
Jacob had not seen his brother for 20+ years at this point. His mother had sent him away in fear that Esau would harm him. Now, Jacob is heading back home, and Esau and his men are approaching him as well. The Bible says, “So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies.” Genesis 32:7
We will find out that Esau doesn’t want anything from Jacob, yet Jacob still allows fear to run rampant in him. He continues to allow fear to be the driver of some of his responses. On the other hand Jacob prays and says this to the Lord, ““For You said, ‘I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’ ”” Genesis 32:12
You catch that? The Lord said he would multiply his descendants and treat him well. So, Jacob is praying one thing but believing another. I struggle with this too. I know the truth, but I don’t always live the truth. So instead of walking on faith, I end up walking on fear.
Today, my prayer is that I will live out my faith, no matter what is before me. That I won’t let fear lead me, but my faith in Christ and His Words. Maybe, you have recognized areas in your life where fear is driving instead faith. Let’s do what the great philosopher Carrie Underwood said, “Jesus take the wheel”.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.