Faith in the Face of Fear

"Then the Lord said to Jacob, 'Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.'... Then Jacob arose and put his children and his wives upon camels; and he drove away all his livestock and all his property which he had gathered, his acquired livestock which he had gathered in Paddan-aram, to go to the land of Canaan to his father Isaac." -Genesis 31.3, 17-18

Jacob has grown wealthy, and he has a large family, but now his brother-in-laws are angry with him. Even Laban's attitude has changed towards him. His shrewdness has made him rich and Laban's flocks have gotten weaker. And God speaks to him and tells him to go home. Go back to where Esau is.

Remember at their last meeting Esau was planning to kill Jacob after their father dies. Jacob stole his blessing and their mother sent Jacob to Laban to protect him. It's been two decades (verse 38), but who knows what Esau is thinking. That's a long time to stew, or plenty of time to get over it. But Jacob took everything from Esau, and that could be something he won't forget about.

I'm sure Jacob was terrified. He has to get away from Laban, but that means going back to see Esau. Neither option seems that great, and yet Jacob gets his family and his livestock and heads back to Canaan. And he goes because God has reminded him of the promise "I will be with you." And in this he finds faith in the face of fear.

Men, there are going to be times when we're afraid to move forward. The commitment is huge. The risks are intimidating. The outcome is uncertain. But God has said "Go." What do you do then? Your decision in that moment will mold your character. What is your reaction in the face of fear? Will you act in faith, or run and hide?

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor