Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord, who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your relatives, and I will prosper you,’ I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant; for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children. For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’” Genesis 32:9-12 NASB
I saw a cool t-shirt design with the words Faith over Fear. We are all afraid at times. There are plenty of dangers and woes in the world. Live long enough and you will experience difficulty, tragedy, and some disaster. But, God give us faith to combat the fears in life. Jacob’s earlier deceit in life (stealing his brother’s birthright), was about to catch up with him, or so it seemed. He would have to face his angry brother Esau some 20 years later. So, Jacob went to God in prayer. In the midst of it, he remember’s God’s promises and spends the night wrestling with the Angel of the Lord. God would prepare him to meet his brother. His faith would win out over fear, and he would move forward. In his imperfection, Jacob was still able to ‘take God at His Word’ (promises), and follow God’s plan. What a lesson for all of us frail people who sense a calling from God but know our own weaknesses. Certainly we can have faith over fear!
What fears are in my life? Can I name them? What promises of God can I claim and by faith apply to my situation?
God, as this day begins- May I live without regrets because of fear. I determine to fear You alone and not man. Help me reflect the character of Christ as I pursue what You have called me to. Let’s walk this day together in power and miracle.
