By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Genesis 32:11 "Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children." - NIV
The fear of pain, harm and at worst death was a major reason behind Jacob’s dreadful fear. His brother was coming with 400 men to fight. He knew Esau would overpower him, inflict pain, harm his family, destroy his possessions and probably kill them. Thus the kind of prayer he made to God. Moses feared for his life and fled Egypt. Elijah feared and ran from Jezebel. Most people’s fear still centres around the same issues.
All those who compromise their stand, abandon their visions, or yield to trials feared the shame, rejection, bodily harm or even death that would happen to them. The desire to avoid them influenced their decisions otherwise. It’s the reason Satan stirs and uses persecution to shake some from the faith. But if we are completely convinced about what we believe to be true, we shall not be deterred, whatever the consequences. And God will protect us.
Paul named extreme situations that could come our way, but quickly said we are more than conquerors through Christ(Rom 8:35-39). We are called upon to stand on what we believe regardless of the consequences, but we still act in wisdom. Jesus warned that following Him will bring much tribulation. The apostles knew and went through much pain, but stood. Jesus urged His disciples not to fear those who would even kill the body, but to fear God who can cast one to hell.
Luke 12:4-5 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."
Shalom children of God.