Saturday, 29^th July 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: FACING YOUR FEARS

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children.” – Genesis 32:11

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why was Jacob afraid of his own brother?
2. How did Jacob deal with this fear?

There are moments in our lives we will forever remember because we were brought face-to-face with our fears.

We had to deal with our greatest fear once and for all. However, it is necessary to say that some people have been running away from their fears for decades. Yet they never stop to ask whether they would be able to run forever.

Jacob was blessed, yet his challenges were many. God had been instrumental in shaping his character. Character is important to God, as water is important for fish to stay alive. Jacob had been instructed by God to return to the Promised Land, but little did he know that God would bring him face-to-face with his greatest fear—Esau, his brother.

Precious one, God is interested in our relationship with others as much as He is interested in our relationship with him. Such that if our relationship with our neighbor does not hold, then our relationship with Him cannot also hold.

How should Jacob, the man who supplanted his brother and took his blessings, approach Esau for reconciliation? 20 years ago, Esau wanted to kill Jacob, and he fled. Is Esau still nursing his wounds? Jacob was afraid for his life. He sent messengers to inform Esau that he had returned (Gen 32:3-5). Jacob's messengers returned with news that worsened his plight: Esau is coming to meet you, and 400 men are with him (Gen 32:6). Four hundred men with him? what for? Many thoughts began to run through Jacob’s head. He decided to quickly send him some gifts (Gen 32:13–15). Peradventure, it might appease Esau before they meet (Gen 32:20). What if he is not appeased? He devised Plan-B. He divided his family into four groups. Each woman and her children. In that way, some of his wives and children can flee in the event of an attack. Jacob took his family and sent them over the river Jabbok. He was then left alone, not knowing what to expect.

Precious one, in the darkest moment of your life, never lose this fact: God is with you. Therefore, pray.

Pray to God for his help because fear has a way of crippling our strategic mental powers. Pray as Jacob prayed by reminding God of His word (Gen 32:9). Pray as Jacob did, by stating your fears and appealing for God’s help (Heb 4:16), “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother: for I fear him…” Jacob prayed (Gen 32:11). Precious one, our darkest moments are times we are well set up for God’s help. Ashamed? Afraid? Rejected? Humiliated? Depressed? Or crushed? That is the best moment to say, “God help me.” Turn to God today and see His light shine through the dark night. Then with joy, you’ll draw water out of the wells of salvation and say,” Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Glory to God!

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 32

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. What are your fears in life?
2. If God is with you, are you not able to face these fears once and for all?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Savior, You are my Lord. Even though the earth quakes and the sea roars, I will not be moved. I will have no fear because you are with me, neither will I be afraid because you are my God. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Samuel 15; Jeremiah 19; Romans 3; Romans 4