Category Archives: Courage / Fear

Courage / Fear, Prayer

Frozen by Fear

We all face difficult decisions in our lives. Sometimes we make the wrong decision or freeze up and become unable to make any decision because of fear of losing something important to us. Jacob (now called Israel) struggled in sending his sons back to Egypt to get more food because he was so afraid of losing Benjamin. In fact, he was willing to let his older son, Simeon, remain in Egyptian prison to protect Benjamin. Jacob, despite his long relationship with God, was acting in fear and unable to make the decision he must have known would have to be made… to send Benjamin with his other sons to get more grain from Egypt.  He failed even to come before God and ask for help in this difficult situation.

Genesis 43:1-15

The Return to Egypt

      1Now the famine was severe in the land. 2So it came about when they had finished eating the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, “Go back, buy us a little food.” 3Judah spoke to him, however, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ 4“If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. 5“But if you do not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, ‘You will not see my face unless your brother is with you.’” 6Then Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly by telling the man whether you still had another brother?” 7But they said, “The man questioned particularly about us and our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ So we answered his questions. Could we possibly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” 8Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the lad with me and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, we as well as you and our little ones. 9“I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever. 10“For if we had not delayed, surely by now we could have returned twice.”

      11Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. 12“Take double the money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was a mistake. 13“Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man; 14and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” 15So the men took this present, and they took double the money in their hand, and Benjamin; then they arose and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph.

God and Joseph forced Jacob’s hand to send Benjamin to Egypt, despite his fear. All would starve unless he did so. Once Jacob recognized sending Benjamin was inevitable, he was able to think more clearly again. He was no longer frozen in fear. He thought to return the extra money, turn to God asking for  compassion in the sight of the man (Joseph), and prepared himself to accept the possible consequences if things did not go well. Little did Jacob know, God was at work bringing his family back together again through this difficult situation.

Simeon spent extra time in prison because of Jacob’s fear and denial of the situation. He was unable to make the right decision in a timely manner for fear of losing Benjamin. There was never a scenario where they would not have to return to Egypt because it was the only source of food during the drought. Before we criticize Jacob too much, however, we should consider that we may also be susceptible to similar difficulty making important decisions at times.

The next time you are facing a tough decision and you find yourself uncertain about the path forward, take time to come humbly before God and pray for His help to make the right decision at the right time. God wants us to bring our problems and desires before Him. He already knows what we need… so why not ask Him for help.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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Can God Use Me?, Courage / Fear, Hope

Peter Refuses To Excuse His Denial Of Jesus

Jesus has been betrayed, arrested, brought before the high priest and beaten for speaking the truth that He is the Son of God, that is to say, the Messiah… God Himself. This dramatic series of events unfolds quickly and Jesus’ disciples struggle with how to react, even though Jesus warned them ahead of time on multiple occasions that He would be betrayed, suffer, die, and rise from the dead. In Matthew 26: 69-75 we see Peter struggling to remain loyal to Jesus while dealing with fear and in the end we see Him fail by denying Jesus three times, as Jesus predicted.

Peter’s Denials

      69Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” 74Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Let us remember to give Peter the respect he is due. Peter recognized that Jesus was the Son of God… the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20). Peter raised the sword to protect Jesus in Gethsemane (John 18:10). Peter followed Jesus to the high priest when other disciples fled. Peter had a passion for Jesus and a strong loyalty toward Him.

However, despite the multiple warnings or prophecy about what was to happen, Peter and the other disciples were overwhelmed with the quick pace of events laid out in Matthew 26. In the end, Peter denies Jesus three times despite his confidence expressed earlier in Matthew 26:35.

35Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.

When Peter realized that he had failed Jesus as Jesus predicted, he did not make excuses! He wept bitterly… he realized and accepted that he had failed. Then he had an important decision to make… what to do next. I can personally identify with Peter as there are times in my life that despite my passion for Christ, I still fall short of living for Him as fully as I should. I have moments in which I fail under pressure. I have tremendous respect that Peter never made excuses for this failure… instead he overcame it and changed his behavior to better serve Jesus and as we see reading through the remainder of the New Testament, Peter was used by God to great service and purpose!

God’s strength works best in our weakness. Be encouraged and follow in Peter’s example to recognize, admit, and turn away from mistakes you make in seeking to serve Jesus. Ask forgiveness and ask the Holy Spirit into your life fully to strengthen and help you serve Jesus more effectively. Dedicate yourself to study of scriptures, application of scripture to your life and consistent and meaningful prayer life with God.

God can and does use those of us who fail at times or make mistakes! Praise God we do not have to be perfect.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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Character of God, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Suffering / Adversity, Thankfulness

After Fervent Prayer, Jacob Proceeds Forth To Meet Esau

We continue with Jacob as he prepares to meet Esau with fear of Esau taking revenge for past deceptions by Jacob. Esau is coming with 400 men to meet Jacob. Jacob has put in place a plan to send representatives and gifts to Esau to find favor with him. Jacob prayed for God to help, wrestling with God and coming out faithful and devoted to serving and obeying God’s instructions regardless of his own personal fear or concern.

Genesis 33:1-20 reveals to us the outcome of Jacob’s obedience to God’s instruction on where Jacob should take his family. We can trust the promises of God and the instructions of God. Esau is not mad and actually offers to turn down the gifts offered by Jacob. Jacob receives a warm welcome. Esau actually offers to escort Jacob or leave men with him to escort him safely.

Jacob Meets Esau

      1Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids. 2He put the maids and their children in front, and Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

      4Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 5He lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6Then the maids came near with their children, and they bowed down. 7Leah likewise came near with her children, and they bowed down; and afterward Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed down. 8And he said, “What do you mean by all this company which I have met?” And he said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” 9But Esau said, “I have plenty, my brother; let what you have be your own.” 10Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably. 11“Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty.” Thus he urged him and he took it.

      12Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey and go, and I will go before you.” 13But he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. 14“Please let my lord pass on before his servant, and I will proceed at my leisure, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord at Seir.”

      15Esau said, “Please let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built for himself a house and made booths for his livestock; therefore the place is named Succoth.

Jacob Settles in Shechem

      18Now Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-aram, and camped before the city. 19He bought the piece of land where he had pitched his tent from the hand of the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. 20Then he erected there an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

After all the worry and a tough journey, I am sure Jacob must have felt relieved to find rest. There was no trouble with Esau. I believe that God was involved in that as well as Jacob through prayer and executing a plan to come before Esau humbly. Jacob trusted and obeyed God in faith and grew closer to Him along the way. Now we see Jacob erects an altar and names it El-Elohe-Israel, which means  mighty is the God of Israel. (God changed Jacob’s name to Israel in Genesis 32.) Jacob is taking time to give thanks and honor God for his successful journey away from Laban, through reconciliation with Esau, and leading Jacob and his family to a place of their own to settle peacefully.

Jacob now serves a good example for us in relationship with God. Out of a sinful beginning filled with deception, we continue to see evidence of Jacob’s growing relationship with God. He has come a long way since accepting God as his God on the way to Laban’s, 20 years ago. He continues to grow closer to God. Just accepting God on the way to Laban’s was only a gate, an entry, to a life submitted to God. It was not a one-time decision. He was not done when He accepted God as Lord… he was just getting started.

To follow in Jacob’s example, we must first realize that we are sinners, missing the mark in living for God or often outright rejecting Him all-together. God appeared to Jacob personally but God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, suffered and died for all of all of our sins… yours and mine and everyone else’s. He was resurrected and overcame death. He offers us each an invitation to receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God leading to eternal life. Repent, or turn away from, your sins and change your life to live according to God’s instructions. Ask forgiveness from God and submit to Jesus as Lord of your life. If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord, please do so today! It is urgent. None of us has tomorrow promised to us. Pray with us something like the following:

Pray genuinely with your heart because it is not about the specific words but the condition of the heart and submission to God.

Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ. I confess that Jesus is Lord. I believe in my heart that you raised Him from the dead. Come into my heart Jesus, and be Lord over my life. Thank you God for saving me.

This is not all there is! Just like we witness in the life of Jacob, this is but the beginning… the doorway. Once you pass through this doorway you submit your whole life to Christ. It requires a combination of Intellect (knowing God), Emotion (loving God and fearing God), and Will (choosing to do His will instead of our own). It is an ongoing decision in our lives that starts us on a journey to know God more intimately and to obey Him more completely. It requires study and prayer and action. It is a journey we never finish in this life, but it transforms us along the way to be more and more like Jesus Christ.

Reach out to others you know have already accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Tell them of your decision to follow Christ. Look to connect with a Christian mentor, local church or group of true Christian believers. Connecting with other Christians and publically declaring your decision to follow Christ can help provide important support from other believers to help you on your journey with Jesus Christ. Remember, many who reject Jesus will try to talk you out of submitting to Him and following Him. Pray God will guide you to and connect you with the fellowship of true brothers and sisters in Christ that will help you to continue your lifelong journey to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ!

We invite you to study the Bible with us daily through our devotions via email, Facebook, Google Plus, or on our website Latest Devotions page.

If you have questions or want to know more, please Contact Us.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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Courage / Fear, Family, Hearing from God, Obeying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Protector / Deliverer, Righteousness / Serving God, Thankfulness

Afraid and Distressed, Jacob Turns Humbly to God

In Genesis 32:1-23 we continue on our journey with Jacob as he grows in relationship and trust with God. He is obeying God’s direction to return home, trusting in God despite his fear of Esau, who had been plotting to kill Jacob a long time ago when Jacob left.

      1Now as Jacob went on his way, the angels of God met him. 2Jacob said when he saw them, “This is God’s camp.” So he named that place Mahanaim.

      3Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4He also commanded them saying, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: ‘Thus says your servant Jacob, “I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed until now; 5I have oxen and donkeys and flocks and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.”’”

      6The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and furthermore he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and the herds and the camels, into two companies; 8for he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the company which is left will escape.”

      9Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your relatives, and I will prosper you,’ 10I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant; for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two companies. 11“Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children. 12“For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’”

      13So he spent the night there. Then he selected from what he had with him a present for his brother Esau: 14two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15thirty milking camels and their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16He delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on before me, and put a space between droves.” 17He commanded the one in front, saying, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going, and to whom do these animals in front of you belong?’ 18then you shall say, ‘These belong to your servant Jacob; it is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he also is behind us.’” 19Then he commanded also the second and the third, and all those who followed the droves, saying, “After this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him; 20and you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.” 21So the present passed on before him, while he himself spent that night in the camp.

      22Now he arose that same night and took his two wives and his two maids and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23He took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had.

How wonderful that God sent angels to encourage Jacob. That must have been quite some boost to his spirit… and he may have needed that reassurance from God when he heard that Esau was coming with 400 men to meet him. Surely Jacob remembered that Esau was plotting to kill him when he left, many years ago. They were not on good terms. Jacob clearly splits his group into multiple groups anticipating this possibility. He also puts in place a diplomatic strategy to help his relations with Esau… sending messengers, and gifts ahead of him, declaring he is Esau’s servant.

However, the most important part of the strategy for a righteous person is the prayer. Jacob, in his time of great anxiety, comes humbly before God with praise and thanksgiving, reminding himself of God’s promises and instruction, and asking God to protect him as he obeys God’s instruction to return home to a likely hostile and powerful brother. Jacob continues, faithful to God, despite his concerns.

We should take careful note that Jacob handles this situation as he did managing the flocks over the past 20 years. He comes humbly before God, asking help and protection and listening for instruction… obeying what God commands. Then he combines that with hard work, good strategy, and his own best efforts. He is not lazy, simply putting God to the test and saying God will take care of it all. Rather, Jacob prays for God to act and then does his own personal best to address the situation, trusting God to support Him.

We should model our own walk with God after this pattern. We should absolutely rely on God but also put forth our own hard work and good planning to accomplish what He tells us to do. We should do our part and trust God to bless it.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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Consequences of Sin, Courage / Fear, Heaven and Hell, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Salvation, Selfishness, Suffering / Adversity

Jesus Predicts His Death And Resurrection – He Went Willingly

As we read on in Matthew 20:17-19 we see where Jesus once again predicts and warns his disciples that He will be killed but that He will rise again on the third day. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for this important event. He wanted them to understand it as best they could so they could respond properly and recognize too that Jesus went willingly… He was not defeated or trapped or fooled.

To evaluate the full context, let us revisit some of the prior warnings or predictions Jesus shared with His disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection.

Matthew 16:21-28

21 From then on Jesus[j] began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.

22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him[k] for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?[l] Is anything worth more than your soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. 28 And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

Matthew 17:22-23

22 After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. 23 He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

Matthew 20:17-19

17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. 18 “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man[b] will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. 19 Then they will hand him over to the Romans[c] to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead.”

I find it telling that as you progress through time with Jesus’ communication of His death and resurrection to His disciples, you can see they may not understand fully but are starting to accept it. When first it was shared, Peter reacted in denial and took Jesus aside to reprimand Him. Before we give Peter a hard time for it, let’s consider how often we do this in our lives as well… “I can’t believe you let that person die from cancer, God.” or lose a job and so on. Jesus quickly rebuked Peter in telling him that he was too focused on the ways of man rather than the ways of God. Most of us are as well. Jesus reminds us we cannot be selfish and hold on to our own life tightly and serve God fully.

By the second prediction, the disciples react in grief, but not denial.

By the third prediction, there is no documented reaction at all. All three records are from same gospel account and thus the same author. It is significant that they were differentiated in this way. Jesus was preparing His disciples… even though we see later that they did not fully understand yet, nor did they handle Jesus’ death with a ‘perfect’  response. None the less, they would at least be able to look back and clearly remember that Jesus went willingly.

One last point I find significant… at what point did Jesus first feel it was the right timing to tell his disciples of His coming death and resurrection? The first prediction followed an exchange with Peter.

Matthew 16:13-20

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”[c]

14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,[d] the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John,[e] because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’),[f] and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell[g] will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid[h] on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit[i] on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

20 Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus shares the prediction of His death and resurrection starting after Peter realizes and proclaims that Jesus is “…the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This truth, not Peter as a person, is the rock upon which Jesus builds the church. We see quickly that Peter will fail (denying Christ three times) as all men fail. But the truth of Jesus as Messiah, the Son of the Living God… Jesus will never fail. That truth will stand against all effort and power from Hell.

Do you truly accept the physical suffering and death of Jesus for our sins as a real event in history? or are you still in denial as the disciples were at first?

When you think of His suffering and death, have you ever felt grief that your sins (and mine) are why Jesus suffered and died? If not, we may be led back to the first question.

Knowing that Jesus submitted to God’s will perfectly, even willingly going into certain suffering and death… are you willing to fully submit to God and follow where He leads? or are you holding back some areas of your life to your own plans or comforts?

Do you proclaim Him boldly to others? or keep your “faith” to yourself? James said faith without works is dead [James 2:14-26]. Paul said part of the evidence of a saving faith is to proclaim Jesus as Lord [Romans 10:9-10]. Jesus said if you deny me before men, so I will deny you before the Father [Matthew 10:32-33].

Again I ask… Do you proclaim Him boldly to others? or keep your “faith” to yourself?

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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Character of God, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Heaven and Hell, Obeying God, Prophecy, Suffering / Adversity

Jesus Again Predicts His Death And Resurrection

Earlier in Matthew 17, Jesus experiences the transfiguration on a mountaintop, coming into the presence of God, Elijah, and Moses. Then he comes down the mountain top to find that His disciples were unable to cast out a demon from a young boy and he appears to get frustrated, apparently at the lack of faith of the disciples. (We covered this in yesterday’s devotion, so will not cover in detail here.)

As we read Matthew 17:22-23 we gain some insight into why He may have been getting frustrated with the progress of the disciples. Time for His earthly ministry is running short. After explaining to the disciples why they could not cast out the demon, because they did not have enough faith, Jesus tells them again of His impending death and resurrection.

22 After they gathered again in Galilee, Jesus told them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. 23 He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” And the disciples were filled with grief.

The disciples loved Jesus. They were filled with grief to think that He would suffer or no longer be with them.

Jesus clearly knew what was coming. He demonstrated courage and faith by willingly choosing to submit to God’s will and suffer and die for our sins… the sins of all those who would follow Him and accept His offer. Jesus in His earthly ministry demonstrates the faith we are called to strive for in our lives.

One can also take a moment to recognize that this is clearly prophetic in terms of predicting what events will transpire before they occur based on revelation from God.  Jesus was preparing the disciples for what was to come by showing them it was not unexpected and by showing them that He was willingly submitted to obeying God’s will for His life.

Take time to consider in your own life:

  • Are you fully submitted to God, even when things He asks are difficult or feel uncomfortable? Even when people will come against you and mock you or persecute you?
  • Or do you do what you want to do and only obey God’s instruction when it is easy and consistent with your own desires and comfort zone?
  • What are some examples in your life where you have taken a stand for Jesus despite being mocked, rejected, or persecuted? If you can not think if any… then consider again the first question above.

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Courage / Fear

Do Not Be Afraid, for I Am With You

Scripture provides much comfort for those of us who trust in the Lord. When we find ourselves afraid because of difficult situations we may face, we can be encouraged that God is with us.

[Psalm 34:4] I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.

[Proverbs 1:33] But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

[Isaiah 41:10] Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

There is no situation we face that surprises God. None that He cannot help us to endure. Our troubles and challenges are never as big as our God. I find much comfort in seeking Him and laying my fears at His feet. I find peace in knowing God through Jesus Christ.

I encourage you to click through to the scripture hyperlinks above and read the full passages for broader context. Then try to think about what fear are you holding onto in your life that you should bring humbly before the Lord? Bring it to Him humbly and seek His help for you to endure it and overcome it.

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Can I Trust the Bible?, Courage / Fear, Is the Old Testament Relevant Today?, Righteousness / Serving God, Suffering / Adversity

A Righteous Man in an Unrighteous World

Genesis 14:1-16 shows us how Abram responds when war breaks out nearby and his nephew, Lot, is captured. We continue to see evidence in the writing style (e.g. specific details provided about the kings, locations and the war) that the scriptures about Abram document details of historical events and not just parables or make-believe stories.  God graciously provides us evidence that we can trust the Bible as the true and inspired word of God.

There is much more to be gained from this scripture as we study Abram’s actions and see how a man of great faith and close relationship with God deals with this difficult situation.

14 About this time war broke out in the region. King Amraphel of Babylonia,[a] King Arioch of Ellasar, King Kedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim 2 fought against King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (also called Zoar).

3 This second group of kings joined forces in Siddim Valley (that is, the valley of the Dead Sea[b]). 4 For twelve years they had been subject to King Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled against him.

5 One year later Kedorlaomer and his allies arrived and defeated the Rephaites at Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites at Ham, the Emites at Shaveh-kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites at Mount Seir, as far as El-paran at the edge of the wilderness. 7 Then they turned back and came to En-mishpat (now called Kadesh) and conquered all the territory of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites living in Hazazon-tamar.

8 Then the rebel kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (also called Zoar) prepared for battle in the valley of the Dead Sea.[c] 9 They fought against King Kedorlaomer of Elam, King Tidal of Goiim, King Amraphel of Babylonia, and King Arioch of Ellasar—four kings against five. 10 As it happened, the valley of the Dead Sea was filled with tar pits. And as the army of the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some fell into the tar pits, while the rest escaped into the mountains. 11 The victorious invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and headed for home, taking with them all the spoils of war and the food supplies. 12 They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned.

13 But one of Lot’s men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram’s allies.

14 When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men who had been born into his household. Then he pursued Kedorlaomer’s army until he caught up with them at Dan. 15 There he divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives.

The following are just a few observations from a quick study of the scripture.

  • In war and world events there is not always a righteous side. The scripture gives no evidence to suggest either side in the war honored God. The victors plundered the citizens and took many possessions and captives. Lots of people were hurt who really had no direct involvement in the war.
  •  Once he became aware of the situation, Abram did not hesitate. The scripture does not indicate that he stopped even to consult God.  He had an ongoing relationship with God and recognized immediately the need for action. He gathered a group of trained men in a selfless attempt to help others. Abram had nothing to gain and a lot to lose.
  • Abram could have been bitter with Lot because Lot had previously chosen the best land for himself when Abram and Lot separated earlier in Genesis. Abram was not bitter. He was content with what he had and trusted God. He loved Lot.
  • Abram used wise strategy to divide his forces and attack at night. Scripture does not say, but the opponent is described as an “army”. It is reasonable to assume they may have had more men than Abram.
  • Abram brought back Lot, the other captives, and all the possessions. As we will see in the next section of scripture, Abram refused to take any of the plunder for himself, even when it was offered to him.

As a righteous man, Abram showed courage and wisdom to confront a bad situation and took bold and selfless actions to address it. Jesus calls us as Christians to do the same in our daily lives.

Of course, we are not all called to go to war. Sometimes we have the opportunity to help individuals, churches, or local communities to address specific needs. Other times we may be called to help stop cruelty and murder in places we don’t expect… like helping to educate people on the brutality of abortion and leading them to reject it and to reject organizations that support it.

One thing we know  for sure… Jesus calls us to live differently from the world and to demonstrate God’s love and character through our actions and behaviors towards the situations around us. Abram demonstrates that beautifully in Genesis 14.

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