Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me. (Gen. 32:11)
Mom’s mind raced. How was she going to tell Dad that she had backed the car into a concrete divider? As Dad entered the house for supper, Mom stood at the stove and began, “It was a beautiful day. I picked Dale up at college. I had an accident with the car. The beans are ready to pick.” Dad stopped the report and went back to the statement that caught his attention and asked, “What did you do to the car?” Mom’s confession displayed more of her nervousness, but when Dad forgave her, the distress diminished.
Jacob followed the Lord’s direction to return to Canaan, but then he panicked, thinking of any way he could appease Esau. Throughout Scripture, God tells the people he has called not to fear. God then shares his plan for them. Jacob saw the angels God had sent surrounding him. He knew the promises the Lord had given him. However, it was hard to take his eyes off his perceived situation.
Jacob and my mom allowed fear to direct their thoughts and actions, even while sending a quick prayer to the Lord. God is not a God of fear or confusion, but of forgiveness and peace. Do you let a stressful circumstance fill you with nervousness, or do you talk to God about it? Do you give him time to answer your prayer?
Let go of fear and hang on to God.
Dale Witkowski is a lay pastor, sanctuary steward, blog contributor, and Sunday school teacher at Horseheads Community Wesleyan Church in New York. She is also an artist and a poet.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
