Bibledoorajar Looks again at Fear Vs. Faith

     Jacob had left Laban with great feelings of confidence in God's protection. When Laban caught up, Jacob did not fear him. But now, as he approaches his brother Esau, the picture is entirely different. Perhaps it is because Jacob never plotted to do evil toward Laban, but rather depended on God to prosper him always in that situation. But Jacob had plotted evil against his brother Esau. It was serious plotting that was clothed in deception. Jacob's mother had told him to flee to her brother's house and when Esau had gotten over his feelings of being duped, she would send for him. She never sent for Jacob. A message that your brother has forgiven you never came to Jacob. And so now Jacob is going home with great promises from God, including angel visitations, but he is still very anxious about this meeting. He sends intelligence ahead to bring back information about Esau. The word comes that Esau is coming toward Jacob with four hundred men, Edomites, for this is the line that Esau fathered. They are known in the Bible for their warlike characteristics.
     This message brings great fear and distress to Jacob. Immediately he begins to think of what he can do. He decided to divide his family and servants into two camps. If Esau attacked one, then maybe the other would be spared.  Having taken this action prior to seeking God, Jacob then prays. Isn't this so characteristic of God's people: "when all else fails, pray".  Jacob had taken action, but did not have complete confidence in his plan and so he prayed.  His appeal to God was based on great truths. That God was the strong One; that God was the God who had done great things for his father and grandfather. That God was the One who said He would create a multitude of people from Jacob's seed. So Jacob questioned, based on all of that involvement with my family, would you please deliver me from my brother Esau? At least he remembered that he was not worthy of half of what God had done for him and told God so.
      Fear Vs. Faith: ever the challenge for the believer. Seek this week for God's wisdom first as you face your fears. He is able and deserves to be the first influence on our decisions.