WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Conquering fear is the subject of many self-help books. Fear can blight relationships and keep us from knowing the joy which Jesus promises us. Ask Jesus now to show you his perfect love that drives away fear.

Facing fears
Jacob’s day of reckoning is near. Returning to his parental home in obedience to God’s word to him, he has to pass through the region where Esau now lives. In great fear and distress (v 7) he makes plans to deal with the situation.

Even though he has known God’s providential deliverance in fleeing both his parental and marital home, he is now consumed by worry and dread. The life of faith is not a magic charm that will protect Jacob, rather God forces him to face his fears and yet again prove God’s faithfulness.

Coming to God
His response, however, is noteworthy: he prays. He remembers God’s promises to him and voices the fears now engulfing him.

This is how we grow in our prayer lives, through confessing the great truths of faith and bringing our weakness into the light of his presence. But Jacob’s prayer also challenges God to act on his promises (v 12).

Respond: Find a credal confession, such as the Apostle’s Creed, and use it to proclaim the majesty and truth of God’s loving purposes. Then bring to the Lord’s attention those areas in your life that need his power and grace. Remind him now of any promises he has made.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-07-24