Handling fear: Jacob’s example

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Genesis 32:6-7 "When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well…" - NIV

He had taken the birthright from Esau. Esau wanted to kill him. He fled to his uncle Laban. After twenty years, he was returning home. God also told him to go back home. The problem with Laban was over. Now facing Esau, coming with 400 men presumably ready to attack, created untold fear and distress to Jacob. There was no other way out, but to face what he feared most!

Jacob’s approach to fear was twofold: divide his animals and prepare a gift to appease his brother. The other was to bring his fear to God in prayer. One was a human solution as he thought best. The other was seeking divine intervention, acknowledging his human limitations and expressing his fears to God as it was. The later prevailed and God supernaturally took over the matter. It was an unbelievable victory!

Friends, fear can be so real and paralyzing. We all fear in life. But how we handle fear makes the whole difference. One challenge upon another will come. Sometimes we do not know what to do or where to start in addressing our fears. Out of panic, we try one thing upon another in reaction. Some of these make things worse. If only we could learn to always first bring our fears as they are to God and seek His intervention, He would guide our further actions to victory. It’s alright to say, ‘God, I am scared. Help me.’

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."
Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Shalom children of God.