Overcoming Fear: Gospel Today Devotional - 4th November, 2022

We all know the story of Jacob, don't we? How he not only claimed the birthright of his brother, Esau but also deceived his aged Father,  Isaac to claim the blessing of his l brother. It was on the account of this that Esau thought to take his life.

When Rebekah heard what Esau intended to do, after helping her son Jacob receive the blessing of her son, Esau, she told him to flee for his life to stay with her brother, Laban. Jacob did as she instructed and traveled to stay with Laban, and the Lord blessed him with so great possessions. Today, we shall consider a very important lesson. Let's see the passage of scripture below,

"And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. [7] Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; [8] And said, If Esau comes to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape". ( Genesis 32:6-8)

After Jacob had served Laban for a long time, the Lord instructed him to return home. The verse of scripture above is a result of Jacob's return back to the land of his father. We should not forget that returning home would mean returning to Esau who had vowed to kill him before he fled seeing he had taken his blessing. Although it had been a very long time since that happened, one could not tell for sure if Esau still had the intention.

Jacob, knowing that he committed a serious offense before leaving home, sent some messengers ahead to Esau perhaps to appease him but they returned with a report that made Jacob afraid. They told him Esau was coming to him with about 400 men and Jacob became afraid. While it was true that Esau was coming to him with several men, scripture didn't say whether it was to kill Jacob and the servants didn't tell Jacob for what reason he was coming with such a number.

It may have been to destroy Jacob or maybe not. That is not the case, but Jacob became afraid which again is not the case here but what he did as a result of the fear. He sought the face of God. He prayed. Scripture says he wrestled.

There are times fear may set in just like in Jacob's case. Sometimes, we may worry but even at such times, we should take our fears and worries to God in prayer, holding him by his promises for this is the very way to overcome fear. The Lord bless his word in our hearts. Amen.

Daily Nugget: Although things may happen that may sometimes make you afraid, or worried as the case may be, even then you should take them to God in prayer, holding him by his word.

Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, inquiries/testimonies, please call or WhatsApp: 09168301042 or Email: [email protected].