Praying from Promises, Not from Fears
Jacob was very afraid that his brother Esau would kill him and his family when they met, even though God had promised that all would go well. Jacob had a choice of what to do, and he chose the right thing. He prayed to God based on God's promise to him. He did not pray frantically because of his fears. (Genesis 32:9,12) This is an excellent example of what we should do when we are tempted to give in to our fears.
When we are led by fear, we get out of control. We worry. We try to work out a solution for our problems in our own power. Sometimes, we sin more by telling lies and trying to hurt people before they hurt us. All of that is just what Satan would have us to do, and none of it solves our problems. When we are guided by God's promises to us, we are living by faith in what He has said. We can know that God always keeps His promises, so we can put away the fear and face the situation with confidence in God's power.
Jacob sent gifts to Esau to show him that he was coming in peace and love for his brother. Then, when they met Esau embraced Jacob, and Jacob rejoiced to see his face. It was as though he was seeing the face of God, since God had worked it out so that Esau was not still upset with him. What a blessing to see God fulfill His promises. That is what will happen if we trust Him and pray from God's promises and not from our fears.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 35-37.
When we are led by fear, we get out of control. We worry. We try to work out a solution for our problems in our own power. Sometimes, we sin more by telling lies and trying to hurt people before they hurt us. All of that is just what Satan would have us to do, and none of it solves our problems. When we are guided by God's promises to us, we are living by faith in what He has said. We can know that God always keeps His promises, so we can put away the fear and face the situation with confidence in God's power.
Jacob sent gifts to Esau to show him that he was coming in peace and love for his brother. Then, when they met Esau embraced Jacob, and Jacob rejoiced to see his face. It was as though he was seeing the face of God, since God had worked it out so that Esau was not still upset with him. What a blessing to see God fulfill His promises. That is what will happen if we trust Him and pray from God's promises and not from our fears.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 35-37.